Project discussion: Give prisoners the vote
Electoral (Restoring Prisoners' Voting Rights) Amendment Bill
Member's Bill
Explanatory Note
This bill restores the right of otherwise eligible sentenced prisoners to vote in New Zealand elections. People who are sentenced to imprisonment are sent to prison as punishment, not for punishment, and this bill recognises that they remain a part of society, with the same rights and obligations as others, other than those taken away by necessary implication of being imprisoned (such as freedom of movement).
Electoral (Restoring Prisoners' voting rights) Amendment Bill
The Parliament of New Zealand enacts as follows:
1. Title
This Act is the Electoral (Restoring Prisoners' Voting Rights) Amendment Act 2019
2. Commencement
This Act comes into force on the day after the date on which it receives the Royal assent.
3. Purpose
The purpose of this Act is to amend the Electoral Act 1993 to repeal the prohibition on enrolment and voting by sentenced prisoners.
4. Principal Act Amended
This Act amends the Electoral Act 1993.
5. Section 80 Amended
(1) Repeal section 80(1)(c).
(2) Repeal section 80(1)(d).
6. Section 81 Repealed
Repeal section 81.
7. Electoral (Disqualification of Sentenced Prisoners) Amendment Act 2010 Repealed
Repeal the Electoral (Disqualification of Sentenced Prisoners) Amendment Act 2010.
