On July 4, 2005, Governor Vilsack signed Executive Order
42, which changed the process for restoration of the right to vote and
hold public office for individuals who have lost these rights by virtue
of a conviction. Under Iowa’s Constitution, anyone convicted of a felony
or aggravated misdemeanor has lost the right to vote and hold public
office. Before the executive order was issued, Iowa was one of only five
states that did not have an automatic process for restoration of
citizenship rights.
There are two key provisions in the executive order with respect to
voting rights. First, the order restores the right to vote and hold
public office to all persons completely discharged from criminal
sentence, including any term of probation, parole, or supervised release
as of July 4, 2005. Because these individuals will not be issued
separate restoration certificates, the executive order itself will serve
as evidence of citizenship restoration. An electronic copy of the
Executive Order 42 can be be viewed by following the link in the left
column.
Additionally, Executive Order 42 directs the Iowa Department of
Corrections to submit a list each month to the Governor of offenders who
have completely discharged their sentences after July 4, 2005. The
Governor will then determine whether a restoration of citizenship is
warranted for each offender. This eliminates the requirement that
offenders file an application and seek review by the Iowa Parole Board.
Finally, a restoration of citizenship certificate will be prepared and
mailed to the last known address for offenders discharging after July 4,
2005. Restoration certificates are expected to be mailed to offenders
within 60-90 days of their discharge date. Any questions regarding
status of restoration of citizenship should be directed to the
Governor’s Office at (515) 281-3502.
The revised application (see link in left column) for restoration of
citizenship will be available to offenders as they are discharging their
sentence. A list of frequently asked questions is also available
by following the link in the left column.
