SAINT PAUL, Minn. - Today, the Minnesota House of Representatives passed the “Restore the Vote” legislation. The bill, HF 28, would restore the right to vote for those convicted of a felony who have been released from prison but are still on parole or on probation.
Rep. Liz Olson (DFL – Duluth) voted for the bill.
“Accountability and consequences are important pieces of our system of justice. So, too, is a path toward redemption, and the ability for those who have committed crimes to reintegrate into their communities,” Rep. Olson said. “Restoring the vote for those who have served their time of incarceration gives them an opportunity to participate in our democracy and become engaged in our society. I’m proud to support this legislation and look forward to Minnesota becoming the 22nd state to take this step to strengthen both justice and our democracy.”
Restoring voting rights would be a crucial step toward helping felons reintegrate into society in a state with one of the nation’s highest rates of people on probation. Democrats have proposed this legislation since 2013. Since then, several Republicans have also supported this effort.
The bill is moving through the committee process in the Minnesota Senate.