Louisiana high court upholds block on paroled felons voting

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Louisiana's Supreme Court has declined to hear the appeal of a ruling allowing the state to deny the right to vote to felons on probation or parole.

The lawsuit by eight convicted felons and the organization "Voice of the Experienced" notes that the state constitution allows suspension of voting rights for people "under an order of imprisonment" for a felony. The lawsuit claims felons on parole or probation are no longer under an imprisonment order. State judges ruled otherwise and the high court rejected the appeal Monday.

Chief Justice Bernette Johnson split from her colleagues, calling the law plainly unconstitutional. She acknowledged a law passed this year allowing felons on parole or probation to vote after five years of freedom, but said that law doesn't go far enough.

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