The Minnesota Supreme Court recently upheld a 2023 state law that allows felons to regain their voting rights upon completion of their prison sentences. This law, supported by Democrats in the state, including Governor Tim Walz, has been a significant development in the ongoing political landscape. The decision comes at a crucial time as early voting for the upcoming primary election is already underway, with voting for the general election set to begin on September 20.
The court dismissed a challenge from the conservative Minnesota Voters Alliance, affirming the legality of the legislation. Prior to this law, felons were required to finish their probation before becoming eligible to vote. As a result of this change, an estimated 55,000 individuals with felony records in Minnesota have regained their voting rights.
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, a long-time advocate for this reform, emphasized the importance of expanding democracy and encouraged all eligible Minnesotans to participate in the electoral process. The move to restore voting rights for felons has been part of a broader national trend, with over a dozen states considering similar measures in recent years.
Advocates for the change argue that disenfranchising felons disproportionately impacts people of color due to biases in the legal system. In contrast, Nebraska officials recently decided to uphold restrictions on voting rights for residents with felony convictions, despite a law passed earlier this year to restore these rights immediately upon completion of sentences. This decision has faced legal challenges in Nebraska.
