Nebraska Felons Get Voting Rights Back Immediately After Sentence

Serving your time, completing your sentence, and then being told you can't vote. That was the case in Nebraska until recently. The state's top court just said former felons can vote right after their sentence ends. This is a big deal because Nebraska used to make people wait two years before they could vote again. Earlier this year, the state's lawmakers changed the rule to let people vote as soon as they finish their sentences. But the state's top lawyer and election boss said only the pardons board could give back voting rights. They tried to stop people from voting. The court said no way! The law is clear, and people who finished their sentences can vote. Now, folks with felony records have a short window to register. The deadline is coming up soon, so they need to hurry. Politics in Nebraska can be interesting. Even though it's mostly Republican, one area, the Omaha-based 2nd District, might go to the Democrats. Having more people able to vote could change things. A group called The Sentencing Project says about 7,000 people in Nebraska can now vote because of this change. And remember, 48 states have rules against people with felony records voting. That affects about 4 million Americans.