Nebraska high court to rule whether citizens with felony records can vote
Date
10/17/2024 12:38:14 AM
(MENAFN) On Wednesday, thousands of Nebraska residents with felony records will find out whether they will regain their voting rights in time for the highly contested elections next month, as the Nebraska Supreme Court is set to issue its ruling on a significant lawsuit. This case challenges a directive from the state's election officials to disregard a new law that aims to restore voting rights for individuals convicted of felonies. The high court heard arguments on this matter in August, and its decision will be crucial for many residents ahead of the November 5 general election.
The ruling comes just days before the state's registration deadline for voters, creating a sense of urgency among those affected. Brad Christian-Sallis, a director at Nebraska Table, a nonprofit civic engagement organization, noted that many individuals with felony records are eager to participate in not only the presidential election but also in state and local races that have a direct impact on their communities, including issues related to their neighborhoods and schools. “It’s absolutely caused a lot of anxiety and frustration,” he remarked, highlighting the emotional toll this uncertainty has taken on those waiting for clarity.
The situation escalated when Secretary of State Bob Evnen instructed county election officials to refrain from registering individuals with felony convictions for the upcoming election. This directive followed a legal opinion from Attorney General Mike Hilgers, who claimed that the new law restoring voting rights was unconstitutional. Evnen had requested this opinion from Hilgers, leading to a contentious legal battle.
In response, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) filed a lawsuit on behalf of several Nebraska residents who would be barred from voting under Evnen’s directive. Given the proximity of the November election, the ACLU sought to expedite the legal process by bringing the case directly to the Nebraska Supreme Court, which agreed to hear it. The implications of Evnen's order could affect over 7,000 residents, particularly in Nebraska’s Omaha-centered 2nd Congressional District, which has previously shown a willingness to split its electoral votes, supporting Democratic presidential candidates like Barack Obama in 2008 and Joe Biden in 2020 in an otherwise Republican-leaning state.
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