Nebraska removes two-year waiting period for felons to vote

Source: USA Today

Published 7:49 p.m. ET April 25, 2024 | Updated 8:21 a.m. ET April 25, 2024


Nebraska reinstated the voting rights of approximately 7,000 individuals who had completed their felony sentences last week after legislation abolishing the nation's only two-year waiting period became law.

The bill, sponsored by Democratic state Senator Justin Wayne of Omaha, passed with broad bipartisan support and will allow formerly incarcerated voters to cast a ballot in the upcoming general election on Nov. 5.

Starting July 18, Nebraskans who have completed a felony sentence can register to vote without delay after they've ended their incarceration and probation, satisfied any other court requirements, and remained conviction-free.

"Today was a good step in the way of restorative justice," Wayne told USA Today after the bill passed. "When people complete their sentence, they should be able to participate in society. When their sentence is done, their sentence is done."

Read more: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/elections/2024/04/25/nebraska-restores-felon-voting-rights/73253507007/