BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — Proposition 17, which allows people on parole for felony convictions to register to vote, passed in California Tuesday night.
The proposition allows those felons who were not convicted of perjury or bribery, to run for elective offices.
In Kern County, with 55% of the precincts reporting, 70,885 voters, or 55.61%, voted against prop. 17. 56,587 voters, or 44.35%, voted in favor of prop. 17.
In the state, 59% of voters voted in favor of prop. 17, with 67% of precincts reporting.
Supporters argue that allowing those people to vote who are released from prison, but still on parole, gives them a stake in the communities they're re-entering. They say it makes them less likely to re-offend. It has support from Governor Gavin Newsom.
Opponents argue these felons include violent criminals and they should finish paying their debt to society before voting. "Crime Victims United of California" opposes this prop.
