Every state differs when it comes to voting rights of felons. Some states (Maine & Vermont) actually allow prisoners to vote by absentee ballot while they are locked up! Iowa, however, has played a political game with the democratic governor going in one direction and the republican governor going back the other way. Who will rise above it all and actually do the right thing?
Iowa - On Jan. 14, 2011, the Republican Governor of Iowa, Terry Branstad, issued executive order 70, rescinding a law allowing people convicted of a felony to automatically have their ability to vote restored after completing their sentences. The automatic voting restoration law had been instituted by former Democratic Governor Tom Vilsack's signing of executive order 42 in 2005. Felons in Iowa must now pay all outstanding monetary obligations to the court in addition to completing their sentence and period of parole or probation. People convicted of a felony may then apply for restoration of the ability to vote.
Executive Order 70 - Signed Jan. 14, 2011, Terry Branstad, Governor (R)
Executive Order 42 - Signed July 4, 2005, Thomas J. Vilsack, JD, Governor (D)
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