Des Moines – John Williams, director of the nonprofit Everyone Votes Iowa, recently realized that his voting rights were automatically restored after completing his sentence. The discovery came after he appeared in a campaign ad for Rep. Zach Nunn and later in a video for Iowa Creator Corps where he mistakenly claimed he could not vote.

From confusion to community outreach

Williams said the backlash he received on social media prompted him to double‑check Iowa’s laws. “I didn’t fully understand that I was just able to go vote. I thought there was a process that I might have still had to apply for or possibly do some sort of reinstatement,” he explained.

Conversations with Iowa Creator Corps and Drake University law professor Steve Foritano clarified the situation. Foritano confirmed that, under Iowa law, voting rights are automatically restored once a person is off probation, parole, or any form of supervision, except for those convicted of homicide.

Executive Order 7 restores rights

In 2020, Governor Kim Reynolds signed Executive Order 7, which restored voting rights to most individuals with felony convictions who have completed their sentences, including any supervision. The order also allows those individuals to hold public office, with the sole exception of homicide convictions.

“It allows people that were disenfranchised to have a voice again,” Foritano said.

Registration drive to spread the word

To ensure others are aware of their restored rights, Williams is partnering with Iowa Creator Corps for a voter registration drive on Thursday from noon to 4 p.m. outside the Polk County Election Office. The event will feature Williams, Foritano, and other community leaders who will answer questions and help eligible Polk County residents register and vote early.

“As easily as I didn’t know that I could vote, I’m pretty sure there are hundreds if not thousands of other people that don’t know they can still vote,” Williams said.

How to verify eligibility

For anyone uncertain about their voting eligibility, Foritano recommends checking the Iowa Secretary of State’s website, which provides clear guidance on restored rights and the steps—if any—required to cast a ballot.

This grassroots effort underscores the importance of civic education and reinforces Iowa’s commitment to ensuring that all lawful citizens, regardless of past convictions, can participate fully in the democratic process.

Original reporting: KCCI Des Moines — read the source article.