What kind of voting rights do states grant to prisoners and ex-felons?
Each of the 11 Midwestern states bars felons from voting while imprisoned, and Vermont and Maine are the only exceptions to this policy around the country. The rationale for these laws has long been that lawbreakers, who lose certain rights granted to law-abiding citizens, should not have a say in electing the people that set societal rules. But should ex-felons have their right to vote restored upon completion of their sentence? Most states say yes, and in many cases, ex-felons automatically regain their voting privileges. In Iowa, though, a felon must obtain a pardon or restoration of citizenship from the governor. Nebraska felons must seek a “warrant of discharge” from the state Board of Pardons. Several pieces of federal legislation have been introduced that would override state disenfranchisement laws for felons once they are out of prison, but none have been successful thus far. State laws also differ on when felons voting privileges should be reinstated. According to The Sentenc
