DOVER, Del. (AP) - A proposed constitutional amendment making it easier for convicted felons in Delaware to vote has cleared its final legislative hurdle.
The Senate approved bill Tuesday on a 15-to-6 vote with little debate, just as the House voted for it last month with virtually no debate.
The proposed amendment also was approved in the previous legislative session but had to pass two consecutive sessions of the General Assembly.
The amendment eliminates the 5-year waiting period before eligible felons who have completed their sentences can vote again.
The bill initially failed to get the required two-thirds majority in the House last year. It was resurrected and passed with just enough votes to spare after lawmakers were assured that a lifetime voting ban for felons who commit violent crimes would remain.
