Nebraska’s top election official had no authority to declare unconstitutional a state law that restored the voting rights of those who have been convicted of a felony, the state Supreme Court ruled Wednesday in a decision with implications for the approaching election.

Nebraska residents with felony records can register to vote immediately after finishing their sentences, the state Supreme Court ordered Wednesday, in a case that challenged the state’s top election chief.

Three of the people waiting Wednesday in the 24-minute line from the front door to the service window at the Douglas County Election Commission did something the Nebraska Legislature changed state law to help them do.

The decision affirmed a law passed by the Legislature this year clearing the way for people to cast ballots immediately after finishing prison and parole terms.

Nebraska's high court says people with felony records can register to vote in a decision with implications for the upcoming election.

Two Republican candidates, Roxie Kracl and Dave Wordekemper, are vying to replace State Sen. Lynne Walz of Fremont, who is barred by term limits from running again.

Nebraska court says people with felony convictions can register to vote, a ruling with implications for Nov. 5 election

Legislators voted to restore voting rights to more people convicted of felonies, but a dispute over that law’s constitutionality created pre-election confusion.

In Nebraska, a wild card candidate is shaking up the US Senate map for Republicans, who never expected to be defending a seat in a reliably red state.

The Republican senator boasts she has over 1,000 endorsements. It’s not clear they’re all worth being proud of.

In a split decision, the court ruled that LB20, which gives felons voting rights after completing their sentences, is not unconstitutional.