FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, August 5, 2020
CONTACT: press@iowademocrats.org
Iowa Democratic Party Statement on Signing of Voting Rights Executive Order
DES MOINES — Iowa Democratic Party Chair Mark Smith released the following statement in response to Governor Reynolds signing a voting rights executive order today:
“This order is long overdue news for the thousands of Iowans who have earned a second chance to use their voices for change in our democracy. Iowans who have paid their dues to society deserve the right to vote.
“Historically, the policy of disenfranchisement of formerly incarcerated people has been used to suppress the voting rights of Black Americans. Today’s news is an important step on the long road to ensuring systematic change and equality for all. It is because of the work of the Legislative Black Caucus and Black Lives Matter activists across the state that Iowa is no longer the only state in the country to permanently prevent Iowans with felony convictions from voting.
“Iowa Democrats are committed to electing leaders who will be a voice for the marginalized members of our society and continue the march towards progress for future generations. With 90 days until Election Day, we’re going to continue to march, organize, and vote.”