Many NE Voters May Be Unable To Vote In Nov. Election

Nebraska Secretary-of-State Bob Evnen's (R) Decision could prevent approximately 7,000 Nebraskans from Voting or Registering-to-Vote in the November Election.

"So based on the Constitution and the opinion of the attorney general in that respect, we're not going to be registering felons any longer," Evnen said.

He announced His Refusal to implement LB 20 Law, which allows Felons to Vote upon Release from Prison. This Decision followed AG Mike Hilgers' (R) Opinion the Law is Unconstitutional.

The Voting Rights of Thousands of Felons, who have Not been Pardoned, but were Allowed to Vote under a 2005 Law are also at Risk. The 2005 Law imposed a Two-year Waiting period for Voting.

Evnen plans to ask the Pardons Board, which Meets on Aug. 20th, to Restore Voting Rights for these Felons.

"To see if we can't reach a consensus about leaving those who have registered under the old law. Who registered properly under the old law, leaving them on the voter rolls by an act of the pardon board that is restoring their rights to vote by an act of the pardons board, which is where it belongs," Evnen said.

Advocate hopes Courts will Uphold Felon Voting Rights Restoration, and several Groups have Criticized the Opinion and Decision.

The "Sentencing Project" in Washington, D.C., called it "a severe mistake at best and intentionally harmful at worst. This action will only create more confusion about who is eligible to vote, the potential for litigation against individuals, and suppress turnout."

Evnen insists the Decision is Not Political: "This has to do with the constitution of the state that says felons cannot vote unless they've been pardoned by the pardons board," He said.

Evnen anticipates Legal Challenges if He does Not follow the Attorney General's Opinion.

He expressed Concern about who would Defend His Office in the event of a Lawsuit, which He believes is Inevitable and Necessary.

"I anticipate that there will be lawsuits following quickly. I think that's fine. That's where this thing ought to be resolved is in the courts. And I hope that it's resolved rapidly so that we can have a resolution by the general election in November," Evnen said.









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