by Katie Quinn, Missouri Independent
July 9, 2025

The Fourth of July has just passed, and next year’s holiday will be defined by the 250th anniversary signing of the Declaration of Independence. As we celebrate this milestone, it is important to remind ourselves that everyone’s vote defines a democracy. However, more than 50,000 Missourians are barred from voting because they are on probation or parole.

Missouri is one of 15 states that do not restore voting rights until the end of a person’s supervision post-incarceration, including the completion of probation or parole. People who have served their time and have been released back into society may have to wait years before being eligible to vote. The current law disenfranchises tax-paying citizens who want to engage with their civic duty.

We need to demand that Missouri legislators restore people’s right to vote who are on probation or parole. In recent years, the state legislature has created bipartisan legislation to support its constituents who otherwise cannot cast a ballot.

State Rep. Melanie Stinnett, a Republican from Springfield, and State Sen. Kurtis Gregory, a Republican from Marshall, filed bills to restore voting rights while on probation or parole but they did not pass. All Missourians should support future bills like H.B. 617 and S.B. 714 that have the potential to protect public safety, increase civic engagement, and extend freedom to all citizens.

Granting people on probation or parole the right to vote would not only increase election turnout but would also be beneficial for all Missourians. Expanding the right to vote reduces recidivism, creating safer communities. People who are formerly incarcerated are less likely to reoffend when they are contributing members of society. Voting is a simple and effective way to prevent crime. 

In addition, people on probation or parole have an increased trust in government when they can vote. Justice-involved individuals are often wary of the government because of their own experiences within the system. Missouri can promote a stronger sense of civic responsibility among all its residents by allowing returning citizens to vote.

Formerly incarcerated people have served their time and should not be further punished by an unjust law. Individuals cannot fully reintegrate into society without voter restoration. They deserve the same right to vote as everyone else. 

Lawmakers should expand voting rights because it is in line with what the United States stands for: Democracy for all. Whole communities will flourish, and state legislators can be a part of positive change. We, the people, need to demand Missouri legislators pass a law that restores a person’s right to vote if they are on probation or parole.

Missouri Independent is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Missouri Independent maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Jason Hancock for questions: info@missouriindependent.com.

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Note: The following A.I. based commentary is not part of the original article, reproduced above, but is offered in the hopes that it will promote greater media literacy and critical thinking, by making any potential bias more visible to the reader –Staff Editor.

Political Bias Rating: Center-Left

This content advocates for expanding voting rights to people on probation or parole, framing it as a matter of justice, civic engagement, and public safety. While it cites bipartisan efforts, it highlights the need for legislative changes that typically align with center-left and progressive priorities promoting reintegration and reducing disenfranchisement. The tone is empathetic toward formerly incarcerated individuals and critical of existing restrictions, reflecting a bias toward expanding voter access and social equity consistent with Center-Left perspectives.