BALLSTON SPA, N.Y. -- Keep convicts from voting -- that was the main message Tuesday as a local lawmaker, law enforcement, and one victim's parents gathered to call for passage of bills that would reform the parole process -- and keep those who have committed crimes out of the ballot box.

Senator Jim Tedisco is calling for parole reform, focusing on what he believes will help victims and their families from having to see those behind bars walk the streets.

The senator is pushing for several bills to be passed. He says right now some of the worst of the worst convicts are being back allowed out on the streets, and even allowed to vote.

Tedisco says at least 77 people who are civilly confined have the right to select the government. He’s planning on introducing a piece of legislation that would stop this. He is also calling for expanded timelines between parole hearings for inmates.

This comes as just Monday, Dennis Drue was denied bail. Drue was drinking, speeding and texting back in December of 2012 when he crashed into another car on the Northway killing two teenagers.

One of the victims’ parents presented their case to the parole board to deny Drue bail. And while it worked this time, they will have to go through that process again, as Drue will be up for another parole hearing in 24 months.

Tedisco says it’s not fair to the victims’ families.

“Some of these violent felons get a bite at the apple every 24 months. It’s too many bites. It’s too often," he said. "They have too many opportunities. It creates unbelievable upheaval and stress for the family members when they have to come in and relive the actions that took a loved one’s life."

He’s calling for that parole hearing timeline to be expanded to every five years instead of every two. Tedisco says this legislation has passed the Senate, but is still sitting in the Assembly.