MUSCATINE, Iowa - Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack's motion to dismiss a temporary order barring him from automatically granting voting rights to felons who have served their prison sentences was overruled Wednesday in Muscatine.

After a legal discussion of mandamus - or the right to sue and order, an officer of the state to comply with the legal obligations of their office - District Court Judge J. Patrick Madden overruled the governor's motion, citing concerns that if the motion to dismiss was accepted, it would prevent elected officials from being held accountable by the public.

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