Posted on 06/18/2005 4:04:27 AM PDT by linkinpunk
Iowa Gov. to Restore Felons' Voting Rights
By MIKE GLOVER, Associated Press Writer
Fri Jun 17, 8:04 PM ET
DES MOINES, Iowa - Gov. Tom Vilsack said Friday he will soon sign an order restoring the voting rights of convicted felons who have served their sentences.
Currently, felons can apply for the right to vote, but it must be approved by the state's parole board and the governor in a lengthy process.
Vilsack, a Democrat, said the current system is too time-consuming and unfairly affects minorities. His executive order would automatically restore felons' voting rights upon completion of their sentences.
"This action we take is not going to be a pardon," Vilsack said at a news conference surrounded by dozens of civil rights activists. "When you've paid your debt to society, you need to be reconnected to society."
A bipartisan panel of legislators asked the governor for an executive order after determining that lawmakers lacked the constitutional authority to lift the ban. He plans to sign the measure July 4, affecting as many as 500 to 600 felons a month.
Critics said Vilsack's move would hurt efforts to curb crime.
"This is exactly the kind of mixed signal that waters down Iowa's tough-on-crime reputation," said Republican House Speaker Chris Rants. "We made great strides in punishing our most dangerous criminals. Now is not the time to reverse course."
Ralph Rosenberg of the Iowa Civil Rights Commission emphasized the order wouldn't erase felons' records. "We're not dismissing the crime," he said.
Elizabeth Robinson, head of the Iowa Board of Parole, said the move puts Iowa in line with the majority of states that recognize when a felon's debt has been paid.
"I think it's important for society," Robinson said. "We're getting on the same page as the rest of the land."
Deb Breuklander said she spent 18 months trying to get her voting rights back after serving time on a methamphetamine charge. "It was discouraging," said Breuklander, who finally received her notice earlier this week.
Only four other states prohibit felons from voting after completing their sentences: Alabama, Florida, Kentucky and Virginia, the governor said.
Is Robert Anthony Williams still at Fort Madison or would he be allowed in the polling booth, too ?
Viltax is acting like he thinks he's a sovereign ruler. I'm beginning to wonder why we make all those phone calls to get out the vote for the Legislative races. We don't need a Legislature, we've got a Governor.
I am a Republican political researcher. For the last five years I have been trying to get somebody to look at the report I did on felons voting. If you are interested in reviewing the report, write me via Freep mail.
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