State Supreme Court to Hear Arguments over Suit Regarding Voting Rights for Felons

LINCOLN–(KFOR Aug. 28)–Opening arguments get underway Wednesday morning in a case to see if people convicted of felonies lose their right to vote for life, unless they are granted clemency.

The ACLU of Nebraska filed a suit soon after Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers deemed two state laws that restored voting rights to be unconstitutional. Hilgers said restoring voting rights has to be done with the Nebraska Pardons Board, which consists of him, Secretary of State Bob Evnen and Governor Jim Pillen.

The ACLU of Nebraska petitioned the Nebraska Supreme Court on behalf of three men with felony records, who are seeking to vote in the 2024 election. Attorneys for each side will have 15 minutes Wednesday to present arguments in front of the state’s high court.