Nebraska Supreme Court Upholds Law Restoring Voting Rights to Thousands
Today, the Nebraska Supreme Court upheld the legality of Legislative Bill 20, which restores voting rights to Nebraskans who were formerly incarcerated and lost their right to vote upon their conviction, removing the two-year waiting period instituted by LB 53.
Related to: Voting Rights
Today, the Nebraska Supreme Court upheld the legality of Legislative Bill 20, which restores voting rights to Nebraskans who were formerly incarcerated and lost their right to vote upon their conviction, removing the two-year waiting period instituted by LB 53. The Secretary of State’s office paused voter restoration for people with felony convictions, after Attorney General Mike Hilgers issued an opinion against Legislative Bill 20.
“Voting is a cornerstone of our democracy and denying this right to individuals who are entangled in the criminal justice system only perpetuates a cycle of exclusion and marginalization,” Nicole D. Porter, senior director of advocacy at The Sentencing Project said. “Nebraska’s Supreme Court stood on the side of justice, asserting that thousands of Nebraskans deserve the opportunity to have their voices heard. This decision is a significant step toward dismantling the barriers that have long silenced individuals with felony convictions. However, Nebraska must not stop here. That it took this long to reach this decision, as the Nebraska voter registration deadline rapidly approaches is egregious. True justice demands extending voting rights to all citizens, regardless of their current legal status, ensuring that everyone can help shape the future of our communities.”
“We’re heartened by the Nebraska Supreme Court’s decision to uphold LB 20, which rightfully affirms the restoration of voting rights to Nebraskans with felony convictions. This decision is a critical step forward in ensuring that formerly incarcerated individuals can fully participate in our democracy,” said Shakur Abdullah, founder of Nebraska’s JustUs15Vote. “Felony voting bans disproportionately harm Black and brown Nebraskans and their communities. LB 20 reflects the national momentum we have seen across the country, with states recognizing that everyone deserves a voice in shaping the policies that impact their communities, no matter their involvement in the criminal legal system. Today’s ruling brings Nebraska closer to a more just and equitable system.”
The Sentencing Project recently released “Locked Out 2024: Estimates of People Denied Voting Rights Due to a Felony Conviction” revealing that of the four million Americans denied their voting rights, 10,000 Nebraskans were barred from voting because they are incarcerated for a felony, on felony probation, or released on parole. Legislative Bill 20 will restore voting rights to 7,000 Nebraskans.
About The Sentencing Project
The Sentencing Project advocates for effective and humane responses to crime that minimize imprisonment and criminalization of youth and adults by promoting racial, ethnic, economic, and gender justice. www.sentencingproject.org
About JustUs15Vote
Nebraska’s JustUs15Vote Initiative seeks to eliminate all voting restrictions for persons with felony conviction histories regardless of conviction status. www.justus15vote.org
