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Voting rules could be strengthened for immigrants, while relaxed for ex-felons
Posted: 01.02.2013 at 12:44 PM
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OTTUMWA, IOWA -- Iowa continues to see changes within its voting system.
Last week, the governor's office announced it would be relaxing the strict rules put in place for ex-felons wishing to get their voting rights back.
Ex-felons will no longer have to submit credit histories or pay off all of their restitution to be able to vote. The rules were enacted by Governor Branstad last year, making Iowa one of the hardest states in the nation for ex-felons to regain voting rights.
In Wapello County, there aren't many ex-felons voting, but its not unheard of.
"I'm not sure if the number of ex-felons that we have registered to vote, on the general election that we had in November, I came across two people that showed up in our voter registration as felons," said Kelly Spurgeon, Wapello County Auditor.
A hearing is scheduled on Thursday to discuss another possible change -- a rule that would help remove voters from registration lists if they are unable to provide proof of citizenship.
Secretary of State Matt Schultz is behind the effort, which is opposed by groups like the American Civil Liberties Union.
A judge hasn't given a final ruling, but Shultz is looking to establish permanent procedures.