In 2015, NACDL advocated for SB 340/ HB 980, legislation to allow individuals with felony convictions to vote after being released from prison, while still on parole or probation. The legislation passed through the legislature in the Spring of 2015. However, on May 22, 2015, Governor Larry Hogan vetoed the legislation. During the 2016 session, NACDL issued multiple legislative action alerts leading up to the House and Senate override votes on the bill. Both chambers voted to override the governor’s veto. The bill became law on March 10th, 2016, immediately restoring voting rights to nearly 40,000 Maryland residents who were still completing terms of probation or parole.
Felony Disenfranchisement
NACDL successfully advocated for legislation to restore voting rights to individuals with felony convictions who are on probation or parole.
