Today, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear signed an executive order automatically restoring the right to vote of former non-violent felons who have served their time. Under the executive order, more than 140,000 Kentuckians will be able to re-engage in the state’s civic process.
The executive order reverses a decision by GOP Gov. Matt Bevin that previously blocked the automatic restoration of voting rights of former felons. Now the only state in the country that has lifetime disenfranchisement for ex-offenders is Iowa.
Every State, Every Vote Co-Chair Gov. Kate Brown released the following statement:
“I applaud Gov. Beshear’s action to restore the right to vote for more than 140,000 Kentuckians and reverse one of the most draconian disenfranchisement laws in the country. Restoring the right to vote helps reintegrate individuals who have served their time into society and re-engage in our civic process. Gov. Beshear’s action shows the difference a governor can make in promoting and strengthening our democracy. By breaking down this barrier, Gov. Beshear sends a powerful message that voting is a precious and fundamental right.”
Check out EveryStateEveryVote.com to learn more about how Democratic governors are restoring the right to vote to individuals around the country.
