August 25, 2006

ACLU Sues to Permit Felony Probationers to Register to Vote in California

The ACLU -- representing the California Leauge of Women Voters, Legal Services for Prisoners with Children, and three individuals -- has filed a lawsuit challenging the California Secretary of State's position that felony probationers incarcerated in county jail may not register to vote. The Secretary of State's position is based on a 2005 opinion of the California Attorney General. According to the action -- filed as an original petition for writ of mandate in the California Court of Appeal -- the State's construction of the law renders over 100,000 California residents ineligible to register to vote.

The Court of Appeal has issued an order directing the State to respond to the ACLU's action by September 11.

Posted by Randy Riddle at August 25, 2006 11:59 AM