Democracy Restoration Act of 2008
Legislation
The Democracy Restoration Act of 2008 is federal legislation that seeks to restore voting rights in federal elections to the nearly 4 million disenfranchised Americans who have been released from prison and are living in the community. Currently, 35 states continue to disenfranchise people after release from prison. For a state-by-state guide on felony disenfranchisement laws around the country, view our map.
The DRA was introduced by Sen. Feingold (D-WI) and Rep. Conyers (D-MI) on September 26th as S.3640 and H.R.7136. Senator Feingold's statements can be found here.
The DRA has garnered support from a growing and diverse group of law enforcement and criminal justice leaders, faith organizations, and politicians.
Read Senator Russ Feingold and Jack Kemp's op-ed regarding the DRA here.
Additional information can also be found in the Center's recent publication, Restoring the Right to Vote.