On May 11, 2002, the Mississippi attorney general published a modernized interpretation of the Mississippi Constitution of 1890’s Section 241, which lists disenfranchising crimes.
The following crimes now warrant the loss of suffrage: Arson, Armed Robbery, Bigamy, Bribery, Carjacking, Embezzlement, Extortion, Felony Bad Check, Felony Shoplifting, Forgery, Larceny, Murder, Obtaining Money or Goods under False Pretense, Perjury, Rape, Receiving Stolen Property, Robbery, Statutory Rape, Theft, Timber Larceny and Unlawful Taking of Motor Vehicles.
A disenfranchised felon may regain his right to vote, though, according to Section 253 of the Mississippi Constitution, which states, “The Legislature may, by a two-thirds vote of both houses, of all members elected, restore the right of suffrage to any person disqualified by reason of crime; but the reasons therefore shall be spread upon the journals, and the vote shall be by yeas and nays.”
During the 2004 Legislature Session, 32 disenfranchised citizens received suffrage restoration. An additional seven disenfranchised citizens applied for suffrage, but were denied.
In order to regain the right of suffrage after being disenfranchised, a citizen must first call the local legislator and ask him or her to introduce a bill, requesting that voting rights be reinstated.
Previous Comments
Just think, if felons are allowed to vote and run for office, you can see this guy elected!!! Bring it on. [img]http://www.nndb.com/people/349/000023280/liddy-lookin-up.jpg[/img]
#77719 | Author: Kingfish | Date: Feb 21 2007
Recent Immigration Stories
The Mississippi Free Press produced this story through the MFP Solutions Lab, supported by the Solutions Journalism Network. This series digs into Mississippi’s systemic issues and sheds light on responses to them in other communities. Beyond just reporting on problems, these stories interrogate their causes and inspect potential solutions.
