Misinformation in Voters Pamphlet

[eridani]

In July 2009 the Washington State law changed which allows people with felony convictions to vote if:

· the felony conviction was in a federal court or any state court other than Washington and the previously incarcerated person is no longer incarcerated

· the felony conviction was in a Washington State court and the previously incarcerated person is no longer under the authority of DOC AND legal financial obligations are paid at least nine months out of every year

But, the 2009 State of Washington Voter's Pamphlet contains ERRONEOUS INFORMATION. The Secretary of State has asked for feedback on the changed Voter's Pamphlet. Please join us to provide feedback about this error!

Rather that providing accurate information about previously incarcerated people's right to vote, the pamphlet said:

"If you have been convicted of a felony in Washington, another state, or in federal court, you lose your right to vote in Washington State until you are released from Department of Corrections supervision."

This is wrong. People convicted in a federal court and those convicted in another state are eligible to vote as soon as they are released from prison. People convicted in a federal court do not report to the Department of Corrections.

Please explain to the Secretary of State that this inaccurate information causes citizens to believe that they are ineligible to vote.

This is an extremely serious error.

Please send an email to voterspamphlet {at} secstate.wa.gov and / or mail {at} secstate.wa.gov to express your concern. You can also call the Secretary of State at 360-902-4151.

Thanks!

[quiller4]

1. Email sent as requested. n/t