SB 591 Summary

• Requires the Department of Correction to offer voter registration to criminal offenders upon discharge if they designate an Indiana residence and request to register.

• Establishes procedures for the department to provide voter registration forms, assist offenders in completing applications, and transmit completed forms to county voter registration offices within five days.

• Registration forms must comply with federal requirements, include eligibility statements, attestations under penalty of perjury, and notices that registration will not affect services or benefits.

• Department employees must inform offenders of their voting rights, provide assistance comparable to other services, and are prohibited from influencing political preferences or discouraging registration.

• Effective July 1, 2013; amends Indiana Code sections regarding voter registration at corrections facilities and election notifications.