“In one of his final acts as Kentucky’s governor, Steve Beshear signed an executive order Tuesday that will automatically restore the right to vote to certain felons who have served out their sentences, a move hailed by some as a boost to democracy while at least one critic questioned its legality.
“The order achieves much of what House Democrats have sought through legislation for years, offering many felons an almost immediate opportunity to regain their rights after release. Those who have already moved out of the justice system will still be required to submit a form, though Beshear’s order streamlines the process.”