OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — A lawsuit that challenges Washington’s ban on felons voting while they’re in prison is back in federal court next month.
The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Wednesday scheduled the hearing for Sept. 21.
In January, a three-judge panel of the appellate court overturned Washington’s felon disenfranchisement law, saying minorities were disproportionately affected. The ruling opened the door for voting by thousands of felony inmates, as well as those on probation or parole.
An 11-judge panel will rehear the case in San Francisco.
Last year, state lawmakers passed a law allowing convicted felons to vote again once they finish any parole or probation. Previously, felons who were no longer in state custody were barred from voting if they still owed fines and restitution.
