NAACP Asks Iowa Governor To Soften Felon Voting Policy

by Associated Press
November 19, 2012 3:30 PM


Leaders of the NAACP are lobbying Gov. Terry Branstad to soften a policy that has made it difficult for thousands of Iowans convicted of crimes to get their voting rights back.
 
NAACP officials who met with Branstad on Monday say they focused much of the meeting trying to persuade Branstad to change a cumbersome application process. They say the process has resulted in fewer than 20 felons getting their voting rights back since January 2011.
 
Branstad's office has told applicants on the application form that they must pay all court costs and restitution before applying. But spokesman Tim Albrecht said Monday the office will allow felons who are current on restitution payments to seek their rights back.