Last updated on: 10/4/2018 | Author: ProCon.org

Jeanne Kohl-Welles, PhD Biography

Title:
Former Washington State Senator (D)
Position:
Pro to the question "Should Felons Who Have Completed Their Sentence (Incarceration, Probation, and Parole) Be Allowed to Vote?"
Reasoning:

“The right to vote is restored following a felony conviction as long as the person in not in total confinement in the custody of the department of corrections…”

Washington State SB 5530, Jan. 23, 2007
Theoretical Expertise Ranking:
    Experts
Individuals with PhD's, JD's, or equivalent advanced degrees in fields relevant to felon voting issues. Also top-level government officials (such as foreign leaders, US presidents, Founding Fathers, Supreme Court Justices, members of legislative bodies, cabinet members, military leaders, etc.) with positions relevant to felon voting issues.
Involvement and Affiliations:
  • Member, King County Council, Jan. 2016-present
  • Washington State Senator (D) – 36th Legislative District, Seattle, 1994-2016
  • Co-Chair, Joint Task Force on Criminal Background Check Processes, Present
  • Lecturer in sociology, education and women studies at the University of Washington, Present
  • Council Payne Leadership Award from Washington Ceasefire, 2007
  • SEIU Legislator of the Year Award, 2007
  • Progressive States Network Legislator of the Year Award, 2007
  • Anchor Award, Washington Credit Union League, 2005
  • Good Deeds Recognition, Washington Conservation Voters, 2004
  • Marching Toward Equity Award, Washington Federation of Teachers, 2001
  • Humane Hero Award, PAWS, 2001
  • Member, National Education for Women’s Leadership Program (NEW Leadership) Honorary Advisory Board, Washington State University
  • Award for Outstanding Service & Advocacy on Behalf of Women in Washington State, Colleges Women’s Programs Council, 2001
  • Former Member, Washington State Sentencing Guidelines Commission
  • Majority Whip, Washington State House of Representatives, 1993-1994
  • Member, Washington State House of Representatives, 1992-1994
Education:
  • PhD, Sociology of Education, UCLA
  • MA, Sociology, UCLA
  • BA, MA, Education, California State University, Northridge
Other:
  • None found
Quoted in:
  1. Should Felons Have to Pay All Fines, Fees, and Restitutions Related to Their Conviction before Regaining Their Vote?