Lawmakers to consider restoring voter rights for former felons

NERBASKA -- Lawmakers are considering a bill that would restore Nebraskans' right to vote immediately after they complete their felony sentences, instead of having to wait two years. 

ACLU Nebraska board member Jason Witmer spent two decades in the Criminal Justice system after getting into, what he calls, serious trouble as a teenager. 

He says LB-158 would encourage more people re-entering society to educate themselves about programs that impact their families, and to get more involved in improving communities. 

Witmer was released from custody in 2016, and has been working, volunteering and paying taxes ever since. 

Under current law, he won't be able to cast a ballot until 2027 because his parole doesn't end until 2025.

Backers of the two-year waiting period have argued that it provides a carrot to encourage good behavior when people re-enter communities, and helps reduce recidivism.