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Paul to Speak to Senate Committee on Voting Rights

U.S. Sen. Rand Paul will make an appearance Wednesday before a state Senate committee to support a proposed constitutional amendment that would restore voting rights for some felons.

The proposal has won House approval and is being considered by the State and Local Government Committee. Paul's office said Republican Joe Bowen, the committee chairman, invited Paul to testify.

Paul, a potential GOP presidential candidate in 2016, has urged passage of the measure, saying voting rights are "sacred."

If approved, the measure would go on Kentucky's November ballot. Voters would decide whether to amend the state constitution to automatically restore voting rights for some felons who completed their sentences and terms of probation.

Felons now can have their right to vote restored in Kentucky by petitioning the governor.