(Des Moines) -- Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds has begun the process on a promise to restore voting rights to convicted felons in the state.
The Governor Monday introduced resolutions in both the House and Senate that proposes an amendment to the Iowa Constitution restoring voting rights for felons who have completed their sentence. Under current law, felons are disqualified from voting unless that right is restored by the governor. In her Condition of the State Address January 15th, Reynolds said restoring voting rights for felons is something the people of the state want.
"Our founders gave us a process to amend the Constitution should the passage of time change our view," said Reynolds. "Let's begin that process now. I believe Iowans recognize the power of redemption, so let's put this issue in their hands."
Both resolutions will now head to subcommittees in both chambers before being advanced through committee and to the full floor. At least one KMAland lawmaker says he is taking a "wait-and-see" approach to the amendment. Representative David Sieck of Glenwood says felon voting rights are an issue his constituents have brought up to him.
"I've always had a lot of people come up to me, and say, 'you know, I did something wrong when I was younger. I'd like to have a shot at getting my voting rights back, Dave. How do I do it?,'" said Sieck. " I'm not against it, but I want to see the bill first, and how it's going to play out. Is it everybody? Is it partial? I saw a lot of people in the room. I saw some people were really, really hyped up about it, while other people wanted to see how it will play out, and how they were talking."
To amend the Constitution, the proposal would need approval in two consecutive general assemblies before going to a vote of the people.
