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Democrats request Department of Justice investigation into voting rights restoration in Tennessee


A group of 22 Democratic Tennessee lawmakers has raised concerns about the state’s restrictions on restoring voting rights for people with felony records, prompting a request for a federal investigation. The lawmakers argue that the state’s elections office has gone beyond what the law allows by imposing additional requirements for restoring voting rights, including the restoration of gun rights. The changes have made it difficult for eligible applicants to exercise their voting rights as permitted by state law.

Republican Secretary of State Tre Hargett has defended the changes, suggesting that the efforts to involve the Department of Justice are politically motivated. However, the Democratic lawmakers believe that the policy changes may violate voting rights laws and are similar to discriminatory Jim Crow-era laws. Despite these concerns, Republican lawmakers have shown no interest in addressing voter restoration rights during the current legislative session.

In response to the criticism, Republican Governor Bill Lee has expressed willingness to discuss changes to the voting rights restoration process but has not taken concrete action to address the issue. The lack of action has frustrated Democrats, who argue that the state’s current policy disproportionately impacts Black citizens.

The debate over voting rights in Tennessee has also been complicated by a federal lawsuit over the state’s restoration processes, which has been delayed due to the election office’s policy changes. The lawsuit is now scheduled for trial after the 2024 elections.

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Photo credit www.localmemphis.com

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