Democratic Kentucky Governor To Sign Order Restoring Voting Rights To 100K Felons
In his inaugural address, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said he will file an executive order this week restoring the voting rights of many convicted felons who are currently disenfranchised under state law.
“My faith teaches me to treat others with dignity and respect,” the new Democratic governor told his audience outside the state Capitol. “My faith also teachers forgiveness.”
“That’s why on Thursday I will sign an executive order restoring voting rights to over a hundred thousand men and women who have done wrong in the past but are doing right now. They deserve to participate in our great democracy,” Beshear said.
A January report from the League of Women Voters of Kentucky found that in the state, about 312,000 people are disenfranchised due to felony convictions.
Beshear narrowly beat out former Kentucky Gov. Matt Bevin (R) for the role in an election in November.
Beshear has previously served as Kentucky’s attorney general. He was sworn in as governor on Tuesday.
Under Kentucky’s Constitution, voting rights can be restored solely by the governor.
“For people who make mistakes and serve their time, it’s a double jeopardy to say ‘We’re never going to give you back your civil rights, not for the rest of your life. We’ll take your taxes but we’ll stifle your voice forever,’” said Tayna Fogle of Lexington, a voting rights activist with Kentuckians for the Commonwealth.
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Alex D is a conservative journalist, who covers all issues of importance for conservatives. He writes for Conservative US, Red State Nation, Defiant America, and Supreme Insider. He brings attention and insight from what happens in the White House to the streets of American towns, because it all has an impact on our future, and the country left for our children. Exposing the truth is his ultimate goal, mixed with wit where it’s appropriate, and feels that journalism shouldn’t be censored. Join him & let’s spread the good word!
