DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — An Iowa judge has upheld a state law that disqualifies felons from voting and an executive order requiring felons to petition the governor for restoration of voting rights.
Judge Arthur Gamble also strongly suggests the Iowa Supreme Court sort out the confusion it caused last year when it ruled not all felons are automatically disenfranchised.
Gamble ruled Monday in the case of Kelli Jo Griffin of Montrose, who voted in a 2013 city election, thinking her voting rights had been restored after she completed probation for a felony cocaine delivery charge.
She was charged for voting as a felon but a jury last year found her not guilty.
She sued, challenging Iowa’s voting laws.
Gamble dismissed the suit but Griffin’s attorney says she is appealing to the Iowa Supreme Court.
