Time For New Jersey To Let Prisoners Vote, Bill’s Supporters Say

A potential law in New Jersey would let prisoners vote for the first time in 175 years, and its supporters aren’t giving up their full court press to make it a reality.

The bill, S-2100, would remove prohibition on voting by persons convicted of indictable offense who are on parole, probation or serving sentence. It’s sponsored by Sen. Ronald Rice, who represents District 28 (Essex County), and Sen. Sandra Cunningham, who represents District 31 (Hudson County).

It would affect nearly 100,000 people in the state, according to Newark-based nonprofit New Jersey Institute of Social Justice (NJISJ).

Not a single person spoke against the bill during a Jan. 31 hearing before the Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism & Historic Preservation Committee, New Jersey 101.5 reported.

Read the bill’s full text here.

“New Jersey first denied voting rights to people with convictions in 1844, the same year it restricted voting to white men,” the NJISJ stated Monday.

“Because we do not fear democracy—and are fighting to affirm it—we are championing S-2100, historic legislation that will restore the precious right to vote to nearly 100,000 people who are in prison, on parole or on probation,” the NJISJ charged.

• See related article: 2 New Jersey Bills Would Protect Prisoners' Rights, Supporters Say

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