#returningcitizens #votingmatters #VotingRights #Vote2024 #vote
LB 20 has finally cleared all legislative barriers and will become operative in July 2024. Gov. Jim Pillen declined to sign LB 20. https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/04/18/felon-voting-rights-restoration-proposal-becomes-law-but-faces-possible-legal-challenge/ LB 20 will automatically restore the voting rights to returned/returning Nebraska citizens upon the completion of their felony sentence. This was made possible by a significant effort by a lot of people, seen and not seen.
A big thanks to Nebraska State Senators Wayne, Raybould and others senators for supporting LB 20,all the Voting Rights Restoration Coalition (VRRC) members. LB 20 was a seven year battle so it is significant. That victory should be celebrated but it the proper perspective.
LB20’s victory is limited and leaves other Nebraska citizens still disenfranchised. LB 20 does not restore the voting rights to any Nebraska citizens serving felony sentences on probation or parole, which means any lifetime parole would permanently bar that citizen from voting. Nebraska citizens on probation and parole are not confined and in the community engaging every act of citizenship except voting, they should not have to wait for their sentences to be completed in order to vote. Maine and Vermont are the only two states that have voter disenfranchisement, every citizen is permitted to vote, this should be the model for Nebraska.
The issue of voting for Nebraska citizens with a felony background is really just the tip of the iceberg regarding how these sentences punitively remain operative forever. At what point does the punishment of these sentences end? The short answer is, in some instances it does not. Considered housing, employment, voting etc… all these activities are impacted by a felony background.
Other future efforts in Nebraska that will be challenged will be returned citizens rights to serve on jury and hold public office, these are currently lifetime bans. The threshold for the ban is simply a former felony conviction. These continued punitive lifetime bans prevent full reintegration into citizenship. I’m looking for coalition partners for these future campaigns.
justus15vote 
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