I know the Dems are big on this believing most felons will vote for them. Supposed fairness towards felons has nothing to do with their advocacy for giving them the vote. It's a typical, cynical Dem ploy to get more votes.
But I remember reading somewhere that jailbirds are about the least likely voters among the general population.
But the Dems will gladly take votes from felons, illegal aliens, and dead people if it means staying in power.
I only see this ruling as preventing the governor from trying to make his own laws.
I don't see the topic of the "law" as an issue as it is rather common in many states. But laws are to be made by the legislature, not the governor.
http://www.ncsl.org/research/elections-and-campaigns/felon-voting-rights.aspxIn Maine and Vermont, felons never lose their right to vote, even while they are incarcerated.
In 14 states and the District of Columbia, felons lose their voting rights only while incarcerated, and receive automatic restoration upon release.
In 21 states, felons lose their voting rights during incarceration, and for a period of time after, typically while on parole and/or probation. Voting rights are automatically restored after this time period. Former felons may also have to pay any outstanding fines, fees or restitution before their rights are restored as well.
In 13 states felons lose their voting rights indefinitely for some crimes, or require a governor’s pardon in order for voting rights to be restored, or face an additional waiting period after completion of sentence (including parole and probation) before voting rights can be restored.
