Governor Gregoire has signed legislation allowing ex-convicts to get their voting rights restored once they’re served their prison sentences and community supervision.

Secretary Reed, who strongly backed the measure, told a celebration after the bill-signing that it was “clearly the right thing to do,” because it improves election administration and fosters responsible civic behavior by ex-felons when they return to their home communities. Reed and the prime sponsors, Representative Jeannie Darnielle of Tacoma and Senator Jeanne Kohl-Welles of Seattle, flanked the governor as she signed the measure, House Bill 1517.

The long-sought legislation brings Washington into line with how a majority of states handle vote restoration. The measure, which takes effect July 26, says any ex-con who has completed jail sentence and community supervision may register to vote. Currently, former inmates must also pay all their hard-to-track “legal financial obligations,” including court costs and restitution. Those costs carry an annual interest rate of 12 percent and some ex-cons are essentially barred from voting for life because they can’t pay off the obligation. Darneille, who choked up at the celebration, says the old system is like an illegal “poll tax” on the poor.

The measure does say that a crime victim or county clerk can ask the prosecutor to request a judge to revoke voting privileges if an ex-con fails to keep up with restitution or other financial obligations. Reed says no one is excusing those obligations.

Reed, the state’s chief elections officer, says:

“I am pleased the governor and Legislature have approved this restoration bill, and I truly believe it will be a winning combination, improving our voter registration rolls and promoting responsible civic behavior as ex-felons return to their hometowns. My hope is that this legislation will benefit public safety by helping to re-engage ex-felons into constructive community life. I know that it will help us develop good, clean voter registration rolls by giving us a clear “bright line” for determining eligibility: If you’re in Department of Corrections custody, you don’t vote, period. If you’re out of custody, you can apply to be registered.”