Posted on 01/28/2024 12:14:01 PM PST by nickcarraway
A new bill in Iowa would allow federal candidates with felonies on voting ballots.
Bill would change Iowa law to let federal candidates with felonies on the ballot (KGAN)
Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate's office said the bill "clarifies which objections the objection panel has jurisdiction to."
Under the proposal, the three-person panel could only review objections when it comes to a candidate's paperwork and whether they meet the legal requirements to run.
Right now, candidates trying to run for a state or federal position on Iowa's ballot are disqualified if they've ever been convicted of a felony. The proposal would change that for federal candidates with felonies, making it legal for them to be on the ballot. The bill states that the U.S. Constitution requirements are the only qualifications federal candidates would need to meet.
So again, the constitution spells out the requirements and it seems that the state can't counteract those requirements," said Tim Hagle, a political science professor at the University of Iowa. "So if the state says 'well if you're a felon, we don't want you on the ballot.' That's not one of the requirements listed in the constitution. This comes as former President Donald Trump faces ballot challenges around the country and several indictments.
While Pate's office didn't say whether the former president's legal woes are the reason for the legislation, Hagle said because of the timing, it could be a preventative measure.
"Because of Iowa's law, it would almost be an automatic kicking Trump off the ballot should he be convicted of a felony, and so this is a way to head off a potential conflict there," Hagle said.
The proposal "does not prevent anyone from taking legal action or pursuing challenges in court," the Iowa Secretary of State's office said.
I thought Democrats were already allowed on ballots.
There is a world of difference between a felony and a felony conviction.
If they have served their full sentence and any early release parole, then yes they should be allowed to run for office.
It’s calling repaying your debt to society.
A felony and a felony conviction are the same thing.
You're thinking of a felony charge.
LOL
Actually, there is a strong leftist movement to allow full rights to people no longer incarcerated, on the idea that the majority of them are persons of color. AOC and Squad members plus places like Michigan with laws to clear the criminal records of people go along those lines.
Funny if a GOP nominee could benefit.
Automatic expungement of certain criminal convictions begins Tuesday in Michigan.
The ability to clear some convictions from public view without an application comes two years after new legislation dubbed the Clean Slate Act took effect in April 2021. The legislation also made more people in Michigan eligible for expungement through an application process that became available in 2021.
The new expungement laws have already helped thousands of Michiganders by removing a barrier to employment, housing and other opportunities.
States may not enforce qualifications for federal office beyond Constitutional requirements. Isn’t that well understood?
Felonies for the most part are the base of the democrat party junkies bribes and full on corruption is all the have.
Hunter winks Joey turns lights out.
Well, yeah. Good, clarifying point. Thank you.
Too many offenses are now being recategorized as “felonies” so, yeah.
The whole voting is a “right” and EVERBODY can vote has been taken to the mob rule phase. The republic cannot survive this.
Heck...I can’t even keep my NYS Professional License if I have a felony.
Alcee Hastings was an American politician and former judge from the state of Florida.
He was notable for having been impeached and removed from office as a judge for bribery and perjury.
He moved on to Florida’s House of Representatives from January 3, 1993 – April 6, 2021.
Democrat Imagine that!
Apparently not
I guess it's not understood.
It should be. The Supreme Court already tossed out term limits based on that fact.
Opening the closet door for democrats.
Because pretending to be honest is so tiring...
Iowa Law to Let Federal Candidates With Felonies on the Ballot
They received a memo from Biden illegals heading your way let them vote state funding to increase?.
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