The Sentencing Project Celebrates Signing of Automatic Voter Restoration Bill, Urges Passage of the Voting Rights for All Act

[Annapolis, MD]– Today, Governor Moore signed critical voting rights legislation – House Bill 115 and Senate Bill 241 –  to automatically register people to vote upon their release from incarceration. This bill removes unnecessary barriers to participation in our democracy and affirms the fundamental principle that voting is a right — not a privilege.

“Today’s signing represents real progress—but it is only a first step,” said Nicole D. Porter, senior director of advocacy. “Automatic voter restoration ensures that Marylanders returning home from incarceration can reenter their communities as full participants in our democracy, without confusion, delay, or unnecessary red tape. Yet far too many people still remain excluded, and incremental reform will not deliver true democratic inclusion. Lawmakers must build on this momentum next legislative session by prioritizing passage of the Voting Rights for All Act, a long‑overdue measure that will ensure all incarcerated Marylanders completing a felony sentence can make their voices heard like everyone else. Expanding access to the ballot strengthens our democracy, supports successful reentry, and ensures political representation that reflects the communities most impacted by the justice system.”