A California judge has restored the voting rights of a former NPR producer who had a traumatic brain injury.
San Diego Superior Court Judge Julia C. Kelety cited a new state law that makes it easier for people with developmental disabilities to cast a ballot.
Kelety raised the concern that the conservator of plaintiff David Rector might attribute a level of cognition to Rector that he lacks, or that Rector's votes will reflect her preferences, not his.
But the judge said in her order dated Tuesday that she didn't have evidence to support her doubts.
Under the California law, people with disabilities who are assigned conservators can keep or restore the right to vote unless a court finds clear and convincing evidence that they cannot express a desire to exercise it.
