SAINT PAUL, Minn. - On February 21, the Minnesota Senate voted to pass the restoration of voting rights to individuals convicted of a felony upon completion of their term of incarceration. Representative Cedrick Frazier (DFL- New Hope), chief author of HF 28, issued the following statement:
“While I was disappointed by the court’s ruling that our current laws of disenfranchisement are constitutional, it was affirmation that the legislature needs to set the standard for reinstating people and their inclusion to our shared democracy. Last night, the Senate passed the ‘Restore the Vote” legislation to solidify the message that our state cares about the restoration of the basic dignity that comes with the right to vote. As we reflect on our history as a state and nation, we must acknowledge that voter disenfranchisement has been used as a tool to limit and restrict historically underserved and marginalized communities’ participation in the political process. I am proud of Senator Bobby Joe Champion and Minnesota DFLers making it clear, voting is not a privilege for some, it a right for everyone.”