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Statement on secretary of state’s LB20 directive

On Wednesday, July 17, 2024, the Nebraska Voting Rights Restoration Coalition issued the following statement following an announcement by the Nebraska Secretary of State’s Office directing election commissioners not to enforce LB20.

“For nearly 20 years, the state has delayed justice for thousands of Nebraskans by forcing an additional two-year waiting period to vote after the completion of a felony sentence. The Attorney General’s opinion and the Secretary of State’s announcement – made public less than 48 hours before a law to remedy this is to take effect – unnecessarily introduces more uncertainty, delay, and complication. Their action exacerbates the inherent difficulties faced by voters whose civil rights were finally restored by the Nebraska Legislature just three months ago.

“We cannot allow this decision to stand unchallenged. We stand with voters who have served their time and deserve to participate fully in our democracy. Nebraska’s Voting Rights Restoration Coalition is considering all options for immediate relief to ensure that justice delayed does not become justice denied.”

ACLU of Nebraska | Black and Pink | Black Men United I Black Votes Matter I Bridges to Hope | Civic Nebraska | Common Cause Nebraska | Community Justice Center | Heart Ministry Center | Inclusive Communities | Intertribal Spiritual Lodges | JustUs15Vote | Las Voces I League of Women Voters of Nebraska | Mental Health Association of Nebraska I NAACP | Nebraska Appleseed | Nebraska Civic Engagement Table | Nebraskans for Peace | Nebraskans United Unafraid I New Life Family Alliance | Omaha Alternatives to Violence Project | Rank the Vote Nebraska | RAN Racial Justice Policy group | ReConnect Inc. | Reentry Alliance of Nebraska Board I Represent Us Omaha | RISE I Stand in For Nebraska | The Sentencing Project I Together Inc.