DES MOINES, IOWA (June 5, 2020) — On June 4, Governor Kim Reynolds signed Senate File 2348, implementing legislation for HJR 14, a constitutional amendment that would restore felon voting rights upon discharge after completion of their sentences.
“By balancing the rights of victims and the importance of redemption, we can move forward with historic change for voting rights in Iowa,” said Gov Reynolds. “This legislation allows us to implement our proposed constitutional amendment restoring the voting rights of Iowans who have completed serving their sentence. The right to vote is the cornerstone of being a part of any society, and I am proud of the broad coalition supporting this amendment.”
Iowa is the only state in the nation where all convicted felons lose their right to vote unless they apply to the Governor for restoration. In 2019 and again in 2020, Governor Reynolds called for a constitutional amendment to address this issue permanently.
SF2348: an Act relating to the restoration of voting rights to certain convicted persons and including effective dare provisions.
