Thousands of Maryland felons can cast their vote in upcoming elections, thanks to a decision by the state legislature. In a 29-18 vote Tuesday, the Senate agreed to overturn Governor Larry Hogan’s veto of a bill granting ex-offenders the right to vote while on parole and probation. The move will impact nearly 40,000 individuals.
To justify his 2015 decision, Hogan wrote in an official letter, “The fact is that persons released from incarceration on parole or mandatory supervision are still serving their time as a debt to society for their actions.”
Some Democratic lawmakers argued the governor’s veto would only impede minorities.
“Let me say my motivation for the bill was the fact that 72 to 76 percent of those in prison are ethnic minorities,” said Sen. Joan Carter Conway, D-Baltimore City.
On the other side of the fence, GOP opponents call it a matter of right and wrong.
“I look at this bill and I look at two words: law and rights. Somebody breaks the law, they lose rights,” said Sen. Johnny Ray Salling, R-Baltimore County.
The voting law becomes effective March 10.
