Maryland House Votes To Override Veto On Felons Voting Bill

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (WJZ) -- Maryland is one vote away from allowing ex-felons to vote while they are still on parole or probation. After a heated debate in the House, delegates voted to override Governor Hogan's veto of a bill to restore those voting rights.

Political reporter Pat Warren has reaction from those affected.

The governor's veto was overridden by the House, but only by the minimum number of votes required.

The bill to allow felons to vote immediately after release from prison passed the House and Senate last year, but was vetoed by the governor. The House of Delegates voted Wednesday to override Governor Hogan's veto 85-56, with 85 votes being the exact amount needed.

"I want to cry," said Perry Hopkins, Communities United.

Hopkins is an ex-felon, who, with the organization Communities United, pushed to get the bill passed.

"People want to vote. It's hard to come home and do the right thing when people won't open the door for you to do it," he said.

When he vetoed the bill, Governor Hogan stated that people on parole or probation are still serving their time, and those who voted against the override agree.

"They haven't even finished their sentence yet. They're still on parole, on probation. How do you explain that to the victims?" said Neil Parrott, (R) Washington County.

Supporters say ex-felons should have a say in how they are governed.

"It's nothing against the governor. He decided there were particular bills he didn't like, so he vetoed them. He vetoed them knowing there were enough votes to override the veto. He made his statement, now we've made ours," said Curt Anderson, (D) Baltimore City.

The next statement comes from the Senate.

The Senate is expected to take up veto overrides Thursday.

The House also overrode vetoes on two local bills--one of them--the way Howard County collects hotel tax.