Activists push for Nebraska law on felons voting rights
OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) - Thousands of Nebraska felons thought Friday would be an historic day for them, but not anymore.
“Why of all things, when you are a convicted of a felony take your voting rights away?” said David Ayala, executive director of Formerly Incarcerated Convicted People and Families Movement.
On Wednesday, Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers declared LB20 and LB53 violate the separation of powers clause of the state constitution. LB20 passed without Gov. Jim Pillen’s signature or veto, eliminating a two-year waiting period post-sentence. It was put in place by LB53 in 2005.
“We anticipated something like this occurring, but it’s always good to be optimistic,” Ayala told 6 News.
In response to Hilgers, Secretary of State Bob Evnen told county election offices to stop registering felons who have not been pardoned by the Board of Pardons. The board is made up of Pillen, Hilgers and Evnen.
“There is already large, huge confusion that’s been created by our government officials when really they should be focusing on ensuring that all Nebraskans have the right to vote,” said Jane Seu with ACLU of Nebraska.
Senator Justin Wayne who introduced the bill responded saying in part:
“The principle of adherence to the lay should guide secretary Evnen until the Nebraska Supreme Court renders a verdict on its constitutionality. I firmly believe that the Nebraska Supreme Court, esteemed for its wisdom and impartiality will uphold LB20.”
The ACLU of Nebraska plans to take action.
“We’re ready to respond and explore all ways that we can ensure that Nebraskans have the right to vote and uphold the law that was passed by the legislature with huge bipartisan support.”
Ayala believes it is worth the fight and in the long run restoring voting rights can keep felons from going backward.
“When a person is able to vote, they’re less likely to return to prison because of their involvement and engagement with the community.”
Secretary Evnen plans to request the restoration of voting rights for currently registered felons, who were legally registered under LB53 at the August Board of Pardons meeting.
Nebraskans who believe they are eligible to be registered to vote can contact the ACLU for help at gethelp@aclunebraska.org.
You can also call Legal Aid of Nebraska’s statewide Accessline at 1-877-250-2016 Mondays and Wednesdays from 8:30 – 11:30 a.m. or Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1 p.m. – 3 p.m., or call Civic Nebraska’s voter protection hotline at 402-890-5291.
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