The Nebraska Supreme Court has ruled that convicted felons who have served their sentences are allowed to vote, overturning the state’s top election official’s attempt to prevent them from casting ballots before the Nov. 5 election. Historically, Nebraska had restored voting rights to former felons two years after completing their sentences, but this waiting period was eliminated earlier this year. Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers argued that only the state’s board of pardons could restore voting rights, leading Secretary of State Robert Evnen to stop allowing people with previous felony convictions to vote. However, the state’s high court disagreed, ordering officials to comply with the new law allowing felons to vote.
Nebraska residents with felony convictions now have a short window to register to vote, with deadlines approaching in mid-October. The change is significant as it could restore voting rights for an estimated 7,000 people, according to the Sentencing Project. Currently, 48 states have some form of restriction on voting rights for those with felony convictions, affecting around 4 million Americans. Democrats are hoping to win the Omaha-based 2nd District in Nebraska, as the state awards an electoral vote to the winner of each congressional district.
This ruling in Nebraska comes amid a broader conversation about criminal justice reform and the restoration of voting rights for convicted felons. It highlights the ongoing debate about disenfranchisement and the barriers faced by individuals seeking to re-enter society after serving their sentences.
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