Who is ineligible to vote because of a prior conviction?
Under Iowa law, anyone convicted of an “infamous crime” loses the right to vote and hold public office. Infamous crimes include felonies and may include aggravated misdemeanors. A 1957 case decided by the Iowa Supreme Court concluded that an “infamous crime” included both felonies and aggravated misdemeanors. Since that time, however, the Iowa Attorney General has issued an opinion expressing doubt as to the continued validity of the case with respect to aggravated misdemeanors. State statutes have been amended to limit the right to register and vote only for those convicted of a felony. Until further clarification of the law by the courts, the Governor’s Office will restore citizenship rights to those convicted of felonies and aggravated misdemeanors, in order to maximize voting rights of Iowans.
