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 establishes provisions for these specially qualified voters to request mail ballots and mandates the creation of a "voting coordinator" within the Department of Corrections. This coordinator will be responsible for facilitating the voting process for eligible incarcerated individuals, ensuring they have access to voter registration, mail ballots, and information about their voting rights.

The bill requires that all voting information be posted in visible locations within correctional facilities. It outlines the responsibilities of the Department of Corrections, including the designation of a voting coordinator who will coordinate education and facilitate voting for specially qualified voters. The coordinator is tasked with ensuring compliance with voting rights and preparing an annual implementation plan detailing the department's efforts to uphold these rights.

Additionally, the bill allows incarcerated eligible voters who are denied access to the voting process to file formal complaints with the Secretary of State, who is responsible for promulgating necessary rules and regulations to protect the voting rights of specially qualified voters. The act aims to remove barriers to voting for those who are incarcerated, thereby promoting greater electoral participation among this population.

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