DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Gov. Terry Branstad has simplified the form convicted felons use to seek restoration of their voting rights.
Branstad says the new one-page document reduces the number of questions from 29 to 13 making the process easier.
Still, Iowa remains one of three states to disenfranchise convicted felons for life unless an official restores the voting right.
Branstad says offenders must prove fines and restitution are paid before they can vote.
The Iowa Supreme Court is considering a case voting rights advocates hope narrows disenfranchisement to a few crimes like bribery of an official or corruption. State prosecutors want to keep rights revoked for all felons.
The issue has become important this presidential election year.
Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe restored voting for 200,000 convicted felons last week in an executive order.
