PLN associate editor Alex Friedmann is named plaintiff in TN ACLU voting rights lawsuit
Tennessean, Jan. 1, 2008.
http://www.tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article...
PLN associate editor Alex Friedmann is named plaintiff in TN ACLU voting rights lawsuit - Tennessean 2008
February 26, 2008
ACLU sues over felon voting rights law
A state law that requires convicted felons to pay court-assessed debts before their voting rights are restored is an unconstitutional "poll tax," the ACLU claims in a federal lawsuit filed Monday.
Three men want their voting rights restored; the American Civil Liberties Union of Tennessee filed the lawsuit on their behalf. The ACLU is challenging a 2006 law that made the restoration of voting rights for people convicted of crimes contingent on payment of all outstanding legal financial obligations.
Terrence Johnson, Alexander Friedman and Jay Harris completed their prison terms, parole and probation.
Johnson and Harris were denied their voting rights because they owe child support, according to the lawsuit. Johnson was convicted of federal wire fraud in 1999; Harris was convicted of drug offenses in 1995, the lawsuit says. Both men have custody of their children. The state denied Friedman's voting rights, stating that he owes $1,000 in restitution, according to the lawsuit. Friedman was convicted of assault and aggravated armed robbery.
February 26, 2008
ACLU sues over felon voting rights law
A state law that requires convicted felons to pay court-assessed debts before their voting rights are restored is an unconstitutional "poll tax," the ACLU claims in a federal lawsuit filed Monday.
Three men want their voting rights restored; the American Civil Liberties Union of Tennessee filed the lawsuit on their behalf. The ACLU is challenging a 2006 law that made the restoration of voting rights for people convicted of crimes contingent on payment of all outstanding legal financial obligations.
Terrence Johnson, Alexander Friedman and Jay Harris completed their prison terms, parole and probation.
Johnson and Harris were denied their voting rights because they owe child support, according to the lawsuit. Johnson was convicted of federal wire fraud in 1999; Harris was convicted of drug offenses in 1995, the lawsuit says. Both men have custody of their children. The state denied Friedman's voting rights, stating that he owes $1,000 in restitution, according to the lawsuit. Friedman was convicted of assault and aggravated armed robbery.
