DOVER, Del. (AP) - The state House has approved a proposed constitutional amendment to make it easier for convicted felons in Delaware to vote.
The measure was approved on a 32-9 vote Tuesday with virtually no debate and now goes to the Senate for final approval. It cleared the previous legislative session but must pass two consecutive sessions of the General Assembly.
The amendment would eliminate the 5-year waiting period before eligible felons who have completed their sentences can have their voting rights restored.
The bill narrowly won approval in the House last year after initially failing to get the required two-thirds majority. It was resurrected and passed with just enough votes to spare after lawmakers were assured that a lifetime ban on voting for felons who commit violent crimes would remain in place.
