Criminal Sentencing Modification Bill to End Oklahoma's Incarceration Crisis on November Ballot
By Melisha Daniels - August 7, 2020Yes on 805 , supporters of Oklahoma State Question 805, Criminal History in Sentencing and Sentence Modification Initiative, have qualified to be on the November 3, 2020 ballot. In addition to voting for president of the United States, the November election will give Oklahoma voters an opportunity to vote on a measure meant to end the state’s incarceration crisis.
The state of Oklahoma is second in the nation in rate of incarceration of it's citizens. Blacks are disproportionately affected by disparate and excessive sentencing practices for non-violent offenses such as drugs and property crimes. Enhanced sentence terms often result in serving time that extends beyond the maximum term limit allowable for the offense.
(Prisonpolicy.org)
(Prisonpolicy.org)
If passed the bill will amend the states' constitution, under which people with more than one felony conviction are given enhanced sentence terms. A vote of yes on the measure would prevent the court from imposing such lengthy terms for people convicted of non-violent offenses. The bill would allow the sentence to be modified to the term equal to a sentence term as if the person had no prior convictions.
The measure provides methods for sentence modification for people affected by enhanced sentencing terms
- People currently incarcerated will submit a Motion to Accelerate to modify.
- People serving suspended or deferred sentences will submit a Motion to Suspend or Revoke.
Voting With a Felony Conviction in Oklahoma
People who have previously convicted of a felony in the State of Oklahoma have automatic restoration of voting rights at the full completion of the sentence.
Completion of sentence does not include early discharge or release. Your sentence must be fully completed. Meaning if you have been given a sentence of 10 years, the 10 years must expire to be eligible to vote.
What Can We Do to Make Sure Question 805 Passes?
Eligible voters in Oklahoma need to show up to the polls on November 3rd. To find out more information about voting in Oklahoma visit .
