Gov. Kim Reynolds issued an executive order that restores the right to vote for felons that have completed their sentence. | Facebook
Gov. Kim Reynolds issued an executive order that restores the right to vote for felons that have completed their sentence. | Facebook
Felons who have completed their sentence now have their voting rights restored in Iowa.
Gov. Kim Reynolds signed Executive Order 7, which restores their voting rights, according to a press release from the governor's office. This allows thousands of Iowa residents to now vote.
"Today we take a significant step forward in acknowledging the importance of redemption, second chances and the need to address inequalities in our justice system,” Reynolds said in the press release. “The right to vote is the cornerstone of society and the free republic in which we live. When someone serves their sentence, they should have their right to vote restored automatically. We’re going to continue to advocate for a constitutional amendment and make this major milestone permanent. Getting things done involves coming to the table and I want to thank the broad and diverse coalition who has been working on this with me for years.”
Felons must also complete any probation, parole or special sentences before their right to vote is restored. Felons who are convicted for a homicide are excluded from the executive order.
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