Election Officials Disagree With ACLU

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- State Election Board Secretary Mike Clingman says the American Civil Liberties Union's interpretation of when convicted felons are eligible to vote may be incorrect.

The ACLU says felons may register if they are no longer in prison, have completed their probation and parole requirements and are no longer under supervision.

But Clingman says he interprets state law differently.

Clingman says he believes felons cannot register to vote until the full length of their sentence has expired -- even if they aren't in prison or under supervision of the Department of Corrections.

State Representative Mike Shelton has said he plans to file legislation next year to clarify the law and require the state to notify felons of their voting rights as they are discharged.