Restore the voting rights of felons

To the editor:

The Gazette is to be commended on its publication of the special report on restoration of felon voting rights. The situation in Iowa does not serve anyone well. The confusion can be cleared up by legislative action to define the word 'infamous.”

To provide context to this discussion, it is helpful to know that Iowa is one of the five most restrictive states, the only one outside the south. All of the states surrounding us have less restrictive requirements. Five surrounding states allow voting upon release from prison or completion of sentence. The other one requires a two-year waiting period. Two other states, Vermont and Maine, allow people to vote while they are still in prison.

The proportion of possible voters disenfranchised in Iowa is double the national average. Most of those who are having their right to vote denied are felons who have completed their sentences.

The League of Women Voters of Linn County believes it is time for Iowa to clarify our laws on restoration of rights and to welcome people who have completed their sentences back into full citizenship.

Experience shows that reintegration into the community reduces recidivism and benefits us all.

Myrna Loehrlein

Cedar Rapids