This bill aims to amend and clarify the eligibility requirements for voting in West Virginia elections as outlined in section 3-1-3 of the Code of West Virginia, 1931. It establishes that citizens are entitled to vote in elections within their respective precincts, but specifies several conditions under which individuals may be disqualified from voting. These conditions include not being registered to vote, being under the age of 18 (with an exception for primary elections), being declared totally or partially mentally incompetent by a court, having a conviction for treason, felony, or bribery in an election, and not being a bona fide resident of the state, county, or municipality where they wish to vote.

The bill introduces detailed criteria for determining mental competency and the impact of criminal convictions on voting rights. It stipulates that individuals who have been convicted of disqualifying crimes can regain their voting rights upon completing their sentence or receiving a pardon. Additionally, it clarifies that a person is not considered finally convicted if their criminal proceedings are deferred without an adjudication of guilt. Overall, the bill seeks to provide a clearer framework for voter eligibility in West Virginia.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 3-1-3