Minnesota’s felon voting rights law being challenged in court

July 5, 2023

ST. PAUL, Minn. – A new Minnesota law allowing felons to vote again after they finish their prison sentence is under challenge in the courts.

In a lawsuit filed just before the holiday weekend, the Minnesota Voters Alliance alleges the new law violates the Minnesota Constitution, which states a felon shall not be allowed to vote “unless restored to civil rights.”

The Voters Alliance contends that does not happen until the offender has satisfied all the requirements of his or her sentence — not only prison time, but also parole, restitution, and anything else ordered by the court.

Democratic Rep. Cedrick Frazier from New Hope, chief House author of the new law, said he’s confident the lawsuit will not prevail, noting former restrictions had a disproportionate impact on communities of color.