FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WOWO) – The Allen County Sheriff is being sued by inmates who claim he denied their rights to vote during fall’s presidential election, according to our partners in news at ABC 21.

The 14th Amendment states that inmates have the right to vote if they are not serving a sentence for a felony.

The inmates filed a lawsuit claiming hundreds of eligible voters were denied that right while behind bars. Their attorney is requesting the lawsuit be filed as a class action.

The lawsuit claims that several inmates requested absentee ballots, but the jail refused to provide them. There are also jail rules posted throughout the building that outline the inmates’ right to vote.

The sheriff’s lawyer says it will take months to track down all inmates held behind bars last October and November to get their statements, but the case will be fought.

The deadline for the case is expected for next March.