NC Dem Senate Hopeful Backs Bill Enfranchising Violent Felons

North Carolina Democratic Senate hopeful Jeff Jackson backed a bill that would immediately grant voting rights to convicted felons—including murderers and rapists—upon their release from prison.

Jackson expressed support for H.R. 1 in a Medium post, calling the legislation one of his "top priorities" should he serve in the upper chamber. Often presented as a campaign finance reform measure, the 700-page bill also guarantees voting rights for all felons who are not currently incarcerated, including those released on parole or probation and those convicted of murder and sexual offenses.

The provision is at odds with some in the Democratic Party's progressive wing. Vice President Kamala Harris, for example, argued that heinous criminals should be "deprived of their rights" during her failed presidential bid.