LINCOLN- Roughly 7,000 Nebraskans directly benefit from a newly passed state law that eliminates the two-year waiting period and immediately restores voting rights to felons upon the completion of their sentence, according to advocates. "This is major," said Jasmine Harris of RISE, a coalition that has fought for years for the change.

RISE, according to Harris, is now planning to launch radio ads, a door-knocking campaign, and other efforts to make sure those eligible voters are aware of the change. "Especially in an election year," said Harris, "We're just really excited people can have their voices heard at the polls." The Voting Rights Restoration Coalition, a group of around 30 statewide organizations, held a news conference on Friday at the Nebraska State Capitol celebrating the change.

LB20, introduced by Sen. Justin Wayne, is set to take effect in mid-July, in time for the November General Election. Gov. Jim Pillen, upon receiving the bill, declined to sign it but allowed the provisions to become law. This was due to the fact that both Attorney General Mike Hilgers and Secretary of State Bob Evnen had identified "significant potential constitutional infirmities regarding the bill."

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