Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear signed an executive order restoring the voting rights of nonviolent felons, Tuesday, Nov. 24. With this, thousands of law offenders, who have fulfilled the terms of their sentences will have their taste of lawful social belongingness once again.
Through the executive order, Brennan Center estimates that approximately 140,000 people will instantly have the right to register as a voter. Another 30,000 who are still serving their sentences in prison or in probation for nonviolent felonies will attain this right in the coming years.
Kentucky belongs to the circle of three states that enforce a lifetime restriction of voting among felons unless a certain prisoner obtains special exemption from the governor. The other two states that are still implementing this ban are Iowa and Florida.
Beshear explained that the moment a person has served his or her sentence and paid all dues, society anticipates that individual to return and be part of the community again, as a productive and law-abiding citizen. An essential factor for this transition is giving that person the right to vote.
The new rule does not apply [pdf] to all and has exemptions. For one, people convicted of sex and violent crimes, as well as treason and bribery, will not be included in the order.
A criteria for automatic restoration have been set and for offenders who are not able to meet those qualifications or have committed federal crimes, they can still apply to the office of the Governor so their civil rights may be restored under the present restoration process.
The move of the governor, who is about to leave his office, was praised by his fellow politicians.
"Today is a wonderful day for all Kentuckians," said Lexington former state Rep. Jesse Crenshaw. He commented that the steps of Beshear will present democracy at its best.
For Sen. Gerald Neal of Louisville, Beshear should be congratulated. He said that giving back the voting rights of ex-convicts improves the credibility of Kentucky's justice system.
As the rule is an executive order, it can be modified or demolished by a future governor, but it looks as if the new policy will stay.
"Governor-elect Bevin has said many times that the restoration of voting rights for certain offenders is the right thing to do," said Jessica Ditto, a spokesperson from Bevin's transition office.
Meanwhile, Beshear greeted the soon-to-be voters.
"Congratulations to the many tens of thousands of people who will soon become engaged members of society again," he said.
Photo: Gage Skidmore | Flickr
