Voting rights for felons

by Barbara Tomlinson

     It is common knowledge that a felon, once convicted can never vote again--right? Wrong! If you thought felons had no voting rights, you’ve either been misled or flat out lied to.

     What a political coup that would be--to arrest tens of thousands of people on drug charges, then to deprive them forever of the right to vote on any drug issues. Simply lock up your foes and lie to them!

     While collecting signatures for Initiative 692, I met numerous people who wouldn’t sign because they had a felony conviction in their past. Each one is a potential signature. Each one is a potential vote.

     While serving a felony sentence, you lose your right to vote. After you complete your sentence, you need to obtain a "Certificate of Discharge." If you were released after July 1, 1984, you should automatically be given this document.

     If you were released before 1984 or didn’t receive a "Certificate of Discharge," write or call:

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