What We Know: Tens of thousands of Missourians on probation or parole can now vote under a new state law.
Governor Mike Kehoe signed the change as part of House Bill 1871. It took effect August 28.
What It Means: The new law allows people on probation or parole for certain nonviolent and nonsexual felony offenses to register and vote. Previously, people with felony convictions generally had to finish probation or parole before they could register.
The change means more than 41,000 Missourians could regain their voting rights in time for the November election.
There are still restrictions.
People currently incarcerated for a felony cannot vote. And roughly 10,000 people on parole for violent or sex-related offenses remain ineligible until they complete their parole or probation.
Election officials are now preparing for the change.
Voting-rights organizations are also working to make sure people affected by the change know they can register.
What’s Next: For thousands of Missourians, November’s midterm election could be the first time they’ve been allowed to cast a ballot since leaving prison.
The deadline to register to vote for Missouri’s November election is October 7.
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