LINCOLN, Neb. – Thousands of Nebraskans who are incarcerated in the state’s county jails will have access to voting rights information and tools ahead of the coming election thanks to a new statewide mailing.
This week, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Nebraska is sending thousands of educational pamphlets to Nebraska jails along with voter registration forms and early ballot request forms. A Nebraska Civic Engagement Table grant is covering the costs of this fall’s outreach.
The mailed information helps Nebraskans understand whether they are eligible to vote and what steps they need to take to ensure they can cast a ballot this November.
ACLU of Nebraska Legal Director Mindy Rush Chipman said there are many misconceptions regarding current and formerly incarcerated Nebraskans’ right to vote.
“Even if you are in jail, you may be eligible to vote; in fact, many people are,” Rush Chipman said. “Unfortunately, people incarcerated in our jails often face barriers to practicing their fundamental right to vote. We plan to continue this campaign every statewide election until those barriers are fully addressed. Our right to vote is the very foundation of this nation and we should all be supportive of efforts to make sure every eligible voter can practice that right freely and fairly.”
The ACLU of Nebraska says misdemeanor convictions and related jail sentences are a source of voter questions every election season even though misdemeanor convictions do not affect voting rights.
By contrast, Nebraskans who have been convicted of a felony must wait two years to vote after completing the terms of their sentence, including any parole or probation. This year, a legislative proposal to end the felony conviction waiting period advanced out of committee but did not get a floor vote. The ACLU of Nebraska and other community partners hope to see the proposal reintroduced next year.
The ACLU of Nebraska’s voting rights work is also part of its racial justice portfolio because Nebraskans of color, and particularly Black Nebraskans, are overrepresented at every juncture of the criminal legal system.
