Civic Participation and Rehabilitation Act of 2002

The Civic Participation and Rehabilitation Act of 2002 proposed that U.S. citizens who have been convicted of a crime would retain or regain their right to vote in federal elections, provided they are not currently serving a felony sentence in prison. This means that individuals who have completed their sentences or are on parole or probation would be eligible to vote for President, Vice President, and members of Congress. The bill also authorized the Department of Justice and private citizens to file lawsuits to ensure these voting rights were protected.