ACLU Sues Nebraska Over Felon Voting Directive

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Nebraska has filed a lawsuit against Secretary of State Bob Evnen and other top election officials for halting the voter registration of individuals with felony convictions. Evnen's directive is based on an opinion from Attorney General Mike Hilgers, who argued that only the Nebraska Board of Pardons can restore voting rights, deeming state laws allowing felons to vote unconstitutional. The ACLU contends that such opinions are nonbinding and that Evnen is unlawfully nullifying state law, violating the separation of powers. The lawsuit, filed on behalf of three affected individuals and the nonprofit Civic Nebraska, seeks urgent intervention from the Nebraska Supreme Court to allow those individuals to vote in the upcoming election. Plaintiffs argue they have fulfilled their sentences and should be reintegrated into society, including having the right to vote. The case underscores significant electoral and constitutional issues just months before a major election.