Nebraska’s Secretary of State, Bob Evnen, made a decision this week to stop registering new voters with felony records unless they have been pardoned. This directive was based on an attorney general opinion stating that two laws granting voting rights to felons were unconstitutional. The move was met with criticism from civil rights groups and lawmakers, who argue that it undermines voting rights in Nebraska. The Campaign Legal Center estimated that approximately 59,000 Nebraskans were affected by Evnen’s order.
The decision makes Nebraska one of the strictest states in the nation regarding felon voting rights. While other states deny voting rights to some felons, they usually specify certain types of crimes that disqualify individuals. Nebraska’s decision does not make such distinctions. Despite the attorney general’s opinion, some local election offices are following Evnen’s directive. There are hints of potential legal challenges against the decision.
State Senator Justin Wayne criticized the decision, calling it discriminatory and a violation of constitutional rights. Evnen plans to request the restoration of voting rights for registered voters with felony convictions at an upcoming Pardons Board meeting. The confusion surrounding this issue has left many unanswered questions about voter eligibility in Nebraska. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how it will impact the upcoming elections in the state.
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