“Kentucky was one of only four states that did not automatically restore the voting rights of felons after the final discharge of their sentence-whose numbers in the state are estimated to be 181,000, with most of those convicted of nonviolent crimes”.
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The order excludes persons convicted of violent or sex crimes, bribery or treason.
Kentucky has been one of a few states where individuals who have served their time had to individually apply to the governor to have their voting rights restored rather than having them restored automatically.
Under the order, for those felons who are now incarcerated or under probation or parole supervision, the Department of Corrections will verify that there are no outstanding criminal cases, charges, arrests or court-ordered restitution before issuing a restoration of civil rights.
Kentucky is the latest state to restore voting rights to ex-felons – part of a nationwide move against felon disenfranchisement laws that affect almost 6 million Americans.
There will be three criteria for felons for this restoration. Matt Bevin, a Republican, is set to be sworn in December 7. About 180,000 in Kentucky have served their sentences yet remain banned from casting ballots.
Beshear held off making the announcement until after the election because he did not want it to become a political issue. “Restoring the right to vote will improve Kentucky’s democracy, strengthen its communities, and increase public safety”.
“I have always been a supporter of allowing low-level, non-violent felony offenders to have their voting rights restored once they have paid their debt to society”. Since 2014, Virginia Gov. Terry McAulliffe has announced several steps created to make it easier to regain the right to vote.
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“The old system is unfair”, Beshear said.
