NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Tennessee’s top Republican lawmakers say they have no issue with the state’s strict policy on restoring voting rights for those convicted of a felony, arguing that people shouldn’t have violated the law if they wanted to continue casting ballots.
Earlier this week, Tennessee’s elections office confirmed to The Associated Press that convicted felons must get their gun rights restored before they can become eligible to vote. The announcement shocked civil rights advocates, who countered that the state’s system is already arduous and this latest requirement will only further worsen voter disenfranchisement throughout the state. Others expressed shock at tying firearm access to voting.
However, in GOP-dominant Tennessee, Republican leaders have repeatedly shrugged off calls to reform the state’s voting-rights restoration policy. This year is poised to be no different as many members are preparing to run for reelection in a deeply conservative state.
“My advice is don’t commit a felony,” House Majority Leader William Lamberth told reporters on Thursday. “If you’ve been convicted of a felony, it’s going to take a little bit of work to reenter society fully. We’ve made a pathway for that. But the best way to not have to deal with that issue is don’t commit the felony to begin with.”