Proposed bill would restore voting rights to ex-felons upon completion of sentence

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – Right now, felons have to wait two years to vote after finishing their sentence, but lawmakers are looking to change that.

LB 158, introduced by Senator Justin Wayne, would restore voting rights to ex-felons upon completion of their sentence immediately.

One in favor of the bill is ACLU of Nebraska Board member, Justin Witmer, who spent time in the criminal justice system. He says this could be a benefit to not only those reentering society, but also a benefit to communities across the state.

“Individuals that get into the voting process more often than not are individuals that are interested in what policies, what laws dictate our life, and making policies and laws better,” Witmer said in a podcast to Nebraska News Connection.

To learn more on LB 158, Click HERE.