The Iowa House has embraced a plan that would automatically give felons who’ve completed their sentences the right to vote in Iowa. The idea, in the form of a proposed constitutional amendment, has been one of Republican Governor Kim Reynolds’ priorities. The House voted 95-to-two in support of the concept. House Republican Leader Chris Hagenow (HAG-eh-now) of Clive calls it a “bipartisan accomplishment.”
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House Minority Leader Todd Prichard (PRICH-ard) of Charles City says Democrats are enthusiastic supporters of getting rid of that system and instead give felons their voting rights back when they’re paroled.
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Governor Reynolds issued a written statement, praising the “strong bipartisan vote” in the HOUSE and vowing to “continue working with members of the Iowa Senate to move the process forward, allowing Iowans a vote on this important issue.”