Saint Paul, Minn. - Yesterday, Attorney General Keith Ellison successfully overturned a rogue judge's attempt to disenfranchise voting rights of Minnesotans with felony convictions. The Restore the Vote law, chief authored by Rep. Cedrick Frazier (DFL-New Hope), automatically restores voting rights to people convicted of felonies once they complete their sentences.
This bill restores voting rights for those convicted of a felony who have been released from prison but are still on parole or probation. Over 55,000 Minnesotans who were previously disenfranchised will now be able to exercise their right to vote.
Rep. Cedrick Frazier issued the following statement in celebration of the Minnesota Court of Appeals decision:
“As the author of the Restore the Vote law, I am overwhelmed with joy and gratitude by the court's decision. This victory belongs to the countless Minnesotans who fought for the Restore the Vote law, to the organizations that championed its passage, and to Attorney General Ellison for his unwavering commitment to protecting our democracy. It is a testament to the power of collective action and a reminder that even in the face of adversity, the voices of the people can and will prevail. Voting is the cornerstone of our democracy, and I am committed to amplifying every Minnesotan’s voice to ensure they are heard and represented.”
Judge Matthew M. Quinn of Mille Lacs County had attempted to undermine the Restore the Vote law by issuing orders barring people convicted of felonies from voting, even though they had completed their sentences. However, Attorney General Ellison successfully challenged these orders in court, arguing that they were unconstitutional and an abuse of judicial power.
The Minnesota Court of Appeals ultimately agreed with Attorney General Ellison, and Judge Quinn's orders were overturned. This means that the Restore the Vote law continues to stand, and people with felony convictions will be able to vote in Minnesota.
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