A Georgia Senate study committee looking at the possibility of restoring voting rights to non-violent felons will hold its first meeting Friday in Columbus, according to committee chair Sen. Randy Robertson (R-Cataula).
The Senate Study Committee on Revising Voting Rights for Nonviolent Felony Offenders is made up of five Senate members — all appointed by Lt. Governor Geoff Duncan — and is charged with determining which crimes fit the “moral turpitude” standard and, therefore, restrict the offender’s right to vote.
The meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. Columbus State University in the Blanchard Banquet Hall at the Cunningham Center
The committee was created by Senate Resolution 153 which was sponsored by Sen. Harold Jones II (D-Augusta). Jones also serves on the study committee.
“For several years, I have worked hard in the Senate to restore the rights of non-violent felony offenders to participate in the voting process,” said Sen. Jones. “Too often, we see young people make mistakes that come at the cost of their voting rights for the remainder of their lives. While removing the voting prohibition for all felony offenders is not the way forward, progress can be made in restoring voting rights to non-violent offenders.
“I am eager to get to work in this study committee so we can keep the conversation going on ensuring everyone has fair access to participate in their democracy,” he added.
The resolution states that “Georgia forbids all felons from voting because all felonies are considered a crime of moral turpitude; and WHEREAS, Georgia statutes, Constitution, and case law do not define a crime of moral turpitude; and WHEREAS, Georgia has been committed to criminal justice reform, and part of this reform effort should be to integrate citizens into the community”
Joining Robertson and Jones on the committee are: Sen. Mike Dugan (R-Carrollton), Sen. Burt Jones (R-Jackson), and Sen. Michael Rhett (D-Marietta).
