In a 6-3 decision, the Washington Supreme Court ruled that barring people with felony convictions from voting until all fines and fees were paid was constitutional. The decision in Madison v. State (No. 78598-8) overturns a previous King County Superior Court decision favorable to the rights of people with felony convictions.

At issue in the case was whether or not the law unfairly discriminated against people without money. Those with means can pay off fees and fines more quickly and regain the right to vote more quickly than people without money -- who may end up disenfranchised for life. The court decided the law doesn’t violate the state’s constitution because it applies to all people with felony convictions. The opinion of the three dissenters was that the law did discriminate against poor people.

In 2002, more than 46,000 people were prohibited from voting in Washington because of a felony conviction.

This news brief is based on an AP story on KOMOTV.com, State Supreme Court rules felons can’t vote until legal fines paid [1]. If the link is broken, check the archives.