Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds (R) signed Wednesday an executive order restoring voting rights to some Iowans with felony records, the Des Moines Register reports.
Why it matters: It had been the last state in the country to bar all felons from voting, unless they applied for a special exception from the governor's office.
- The new order grants the right to vote to felons who have completed their prison sentence, parole and probation — but it excludes individuals charged with certain serious crimes, including murder or sexual abuse.
- It will restore voting rights to approximately 60,000 Iowans, including 1 in 10 Black adults.
- Any required restitution will not need to be paid back in total in order for an individual to regain their voting rights.
Between the lines: Shifting laws on felon voting rights isn't a quick process, but officials will have just three months to make the change before the 2020 elections.
What to watch: Reynolds is calling for an amendment to Iowa's constitution in order to permanently enact the change.
