The voting rights of thousands of Nebraskans with felony convictions have been restored! After decades of advocacy and a battle in the courts, voting rights restoration has been upheld.
In 2024, Nebraska achieved a historic milestone: the restoration of voting rights for individuals who have served their time for a felony conviction!
While previously, people with a felony conviction had to wait two years after the completion of their sentence to vote, the Nebraska legislature passed LB20, legislation that removed the waiting period.
This important change reflects our commitment to fairness and inclusivity in our democracy, ensuring that all voices are heard, and every citizen has the opportunity to participate in the electoral process.
The New Law Challenged
Unfortunately, just two days before the new rules were set to go into effect, Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers released an opinion stating it was his belief that the legislature does not have the ability to restore civil rights.
In response, Secretary of State Bob Evnen instructed county elections officials to not allow any person with a previous felony conviction to register to vote.
Victory in the Courts and at the Ballot Box
But Common Cause and our allies in the Voting Rights Restoration coalition didn’t give up the fight!
A lawsuit was filed on behalf of disenfranchised Nebraskans challenging the Secretary of State’s actions. Then, after months of deliberation, the court ordered the Secretary to implement the law and allow thousands of new voters to register to vote.
Those voters showed up in mass, with 2291 people with felony convictions registering to vote in a two-week period. And 1375 of those newly registered voters casting a ballot during the 2024 general election.
Disenfranchised Voters Turned Out Big in 2024
2291
Voters with Felony Convictions Registered to Vote Because of the New Law
Nebraska Secretary of State
1375
New Registrants Voted in the November Election
Nebraska Secretary of State
60%
Turnout for Formerly Incarcerated Nebraskans in 2024
If you or someone you know is looking for more information about the restoration of rights for people with felony convictions, please visit the Nebraska Voting Rights Restoration Coalition's website.
Zero Disenfranchisement: The Movement to Restore Voting Rights
Americans deserve a democracy that fosters their ability to vote and holds their elected leaders accountable, regardless of whether they have a felony The practice of disenfranchising people because of a felony conviction should no longer be practiced in the U.S.
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Nebraska AG Opinion Threatens Voting Rights of Thousands
On July 17, Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers issued a controversial opinion that the state Pardons Board has sole authority to restore the voting rights of Nebraskans who have served their sentences for felony convictions. In April, the state legislature passed a bill (LB20) lifting a two-year waiting period in order to allow those who have completed their sentences to vote immediately.
