Nebraska Supreme Court Paves Way for Felons to Vote

The Nebraska Supreme Court upheld a law allowing felons who have completed their sentences to vote, dismissing claims that it violated the state constitution. Thousands more people will now be able to participate in the upcoming U.S. presidential election, with significant impacts expected in battleground districts.

Nebraska's Supreme Court upheld a law on Wednesday permitting felons who have served their sentences to vote, expanding the electorate ahead of the November 5th presidential election. The ruling dismissed Secretary of State Robert Evnen's claims that the measure breached Nebraska's constitution.

The court's decision counters Evnen's directive, informed by Attorney General Mike Hilgers, which previously barred felons from registering. The American Civil Liberties Union acted on behalf of two affected individuals, arguing that Evnen's actions threatened voting rights.

This ruling could notably influence Nebraska's electoral outcomes, as the state, like Maine, allocates electoral votes by district. Currently, approximately half of U.S. states restrict felon voting rights post-sentence, but critics argue this policy disproportionately affects minority communities.

(With inputs from agencies.)