By Alabama Public Radio
Jefferson County, AL – A Jefferson County judge has ordered the state of Alabama to allow ex-felons to vote, saying a state law that denies voting rights to felons convicted of crimes of moral turpitude fails to identify which crimes fit that definition. Circuit Court Judge Robert Vance Jr. Vance ordered voter registrars in Alabama counties to register ex-felons until "the Alabama Legislature passes, and the governor signs into law, legislation specifically identifying which felonies involve moral turpitude."
The judge's ruling came in a lawsuit filed in Jefferson County by Richard Gooden, who lost his right to vote in 2000 when he was convicted of felony driving under the influence. Judge Vance did stay portions of his order until it could be cleared by the U.S. Justice Department. The federal Voting Rights Act requires that changes in voting law in Alabama be cleared through the Justice Department. Officials at the attorney general's office said they were reviewing the ruling and did not have did not have any immediate comment.