Federal Court Affirms That Tennessee Election Officials Cannot Deny Voter Registration To Eligible Tennesseans With Past Felony Convictions, Must Inform Potential Voters of Eligibility

Nashville, TN — In a victory for Tennessee voters, a federal judge affirmed  that Tennessee election officials cannot deny voter registration to eligible Tennesseans who have past felony convictions and that they must inform potential voters of the eligibility requirements for voting after a felony.  “The Tennessee NAACP is pleased with the federal judge’s ruling,” said& Gloria Sweet-Love, president of the Tennessee NAACP.& “It takes us a step closer to removing barriers for formerly incarcerated Tennesseans who are seeking free and fair access to the ballot box. We must do all that we can — and we urge the courts and the state Election Division to do all they can — to guard against democratic backsliding, and ensure that all Tennesseans have voter protections.” “This court decision marks a significant victory in our ongoing battle for voting rights restoration for those silenced by felony disenfranchisement, said& Keeda Haynes, senior legal counsel at Free Hearts.& “While we celebrate today, we remain vigilant in our fight against the evolving challenges and barriers to voting that have emerged since we first filed this lawsuit. Our commitment to ‘free the vote’ remains unwavering until every disenfranchised voice is heard.” “For too long, Tennessee has...