The bill amends various sections of the General Laws to enhance voting rights for individuals who are incarcerated but not convicted of a felony. It introduces the term "specially qualified voter," which refers to individuals confined in a correctional facility or jail, except due to a felony conviction. The bill mandates that these specially qualified voters can request mail ballots and outlines the process for them to do so, including a checkbox on the mail ballot application to indicate their status.

Additionally, it establishes the role of a "voting coordinator" within the Department of Corrections, responsible for facilitating the voting process for these individuals, ensuring they receive necessary information and assistance throughout the voting process. The coordinator will oversee all phases of the voting process for specially qualified voters, from registration to the return of voted ballots.

The bill also requires that all voting information be posted in visible locations within correctional facilities. It provides a mechanism for incarcerated eligible voters who are denied access to the voting process to file formal complaints with the Secretary of State, who is tasked with promulgating rules and regulations to enforce voting rights for specially qualified voters.

This act aims to ensure that individuals who are incarcerated for reasons other than felony convictions can exercise their voting rights and receive the necessary support to do so. The act will take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
5874: 17-1-2, 17-9.2-3