'Stupid' legislation gives killers and rapists the right to vote

National MP Paul Quinn. Photo / Supplied

A private member's bill which could give some of the country's most notorious criminals the right to vote will be going back to the drafting board if it has been badly drafted, says the Prime Minister.

Otago University associate professor of law Andrew Geddis says the bill aims to stop prisoners from voting but may end up giving killers such as William Bell, Graeme Burton and Clayton Weatherston - who are currently ineligible - the right.

While Professor Geddis doesn't support National MP Paul Quinn's bill, on human rights grounds, he says it is a "cock-up" and "outright stupid in its design" because it does the opposite of what it intends.

However, Prime Minister John Key is seeking advice on the bill and says if it has been badly drafted, it will be sent back to the law and order select committee.

At present, the Electoral Act stipulates that people sentenced to jail terms of more than three years cannot vote.

A provision in the Electoral (Disqualification of Convicted Prisoners) Amendment Bill would stop any inmate from voting after the bill comes into effect. But it makes no mention of those now serving lengthy sentences.

In his pundit.co.nz blog, Professor Geddis said that under the bill, murderers, rapists or other violent criminals still in jail could vote at next year's election.

Select committee chair Sandra Goudie said if changes were warranted, there was still time to make them. "It's been reported back to the House so it will be debated. If there are any changes it would have to be by way of an supplementary order paper."