House Bill No. [insert bill number] amends R.S. 18:177(A) to facilitate the reinstatement of voter registration for individuals who are no longer under an order of imprisonment. The bill stipulates that the registrar of voters must reinstate a person's registration upon the submission of a voter reinstatement application developed by the secretary of state and approved by the attorney general. The reinstatement can occur if the individual is no longer identified on a report from the Department of Public Safety and Corrections, if a judgment of conviction has been overturned, or if documentation is provided showing that the individual is no longer under an order of imprisonment or has not been incarcerated for five years.

Additionally, the bill expands the methods by which documentation can be submitted to include mail, facsimile, commercial carrier, hand delivery, or electronic submission, thereby streamlining the process for individuals seeking to reinstate their voter registration. The previous requirement that individuals must appear in person at the registrar's office to provide documentation has been removed, making it easier for those eligible to regain their voting rights. Overall, this legislation aims to enhance voter accessibility for individuals who have completed their sentences and are seeking to participate in the electoral process.

Statutes affected:
HB361 Original: 18:177(A)