Iowa Eighth Judicial District

               DEPARTMENT OF

CORRECTIONAL SERVICES

 

Serving Southeast Iowa

HomeStaffVictim ServicesCommunity ResourcesOffender ServicesTreatmentSpeaker's BureauJobsLinksSearch

 
  Application Form

Frequently Asked Questions

Executive Order  42

 

 

 

 

Restoration of Citizenship Rights

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.

For more information about restoration of citizenship rights, go to www.governor.state.ia.us, or click here.


.
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Contact Us:

Iowa Eighth Judicial District Department of Correctional Services, 1805 W. Jefferson, PO Box 1060, Fairfield, IA 52556

Ph. (641) 472-4242 Ext. 109 Fax (641) 472-9966

E-Mail: Webmaster