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Prop 17 Passes: Parolees Will Be Able To Vote In California
null Illustration by Chava Sanchez/LAist
By a wide margin, California voters have passed Proposition 17, which lets felons on parole cast ballots in elections, according to the Associated Press.
Until now, felons could only vote after competing their parole, which on average lasts about three years.
Supporters argued that parole is not intended to be a punishment and pointed out that parolees were already allowed to have jobs, pay taxes and otherwise contribute to civic life.
Opponents argued that parolees have not finished making full restitution for their crimes and that a ban on voting was just another restriction they should live with — along with those imposed on their movements, drug use and contact with certain people.
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