Mississippi suit to cover all who lost voting rights. judge says

Source: NBC News/AP



Mississippi strips the ballot from people convicted of any of 22 crimes, ranging from murder to timber larceny.

Feb. 16, 2019, 2:46 PM EST
By Associated Press

JACKSON, Miss. — A federal judge says a handful of former Mississippi convicts who are suing to have their voting rights restored can represent everyone who falls into that category.

The ruling this week by U.S. District Judge Daniel Jordan certifying the lawsuit as a class action raises the stakes considerably. A victory by the plaintiffs could restore voting rights to tens of thousands of Mississippians, not just the handful who sued.

Jordan ruled that the plaintiffs had met the legal tests for a class action, despite arguments by lawyers for the state that a class-action was unnecessary. Jordan said he might decide later whether the class should only include people who have completed all the terms of their sentence, including payment of fines and restitution, or whether to set different limits.

There's still a long way to go in the case. Both sides have asked Jordan to rule without a trial, but the judge could choose to hear witnesses.

Read more: https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/politics-news/mississippi-suit-cover-all-who-lost-voting-rights-judge-says-n972456?cid=public-rss_20190216