Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack on July 4 will sign an executive order restoring voting rights to convicted felons who have served their sentence, the Associated Press reports. He said only four other states prohibit felons from voting after completing their sentences. Vilsack said about 600 felons last year had voting rights restored, but it is a time-consuming process that distracts the state's parole board and investigators.
Other states that don't automatically restore voting rights are Alabama, Florida, Kentucky, and Virginia. Vilsack’s move will not restore the right to carry a gun or ease any financial obligations to victims. Under the executive order, voting rights would automatically be restored for convicted felons who complete their sentences. As many as 500 to 600 people a month could be affected by the order.
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