(Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News) - Minnesota lawmakers are considering changes that would give convicted felons quicker access to the ballot box.

A measure that was attached to a large elections bill that was approved in the State Senate on Tuesday would allow convicted felons to have their voting rights restored once they complete serving their prison or jail sentences. The current state law requires felons to also complete their probation or parole before their voting rights can be restored.

Olmsted County attorney Mark Ostrem says the Minnesota Association of County Attorneys is not opposed to the change. He explains some of the reasoning behind that stance in the YouTube video at the top of this post.

Whether of the proposal has a chance of final passage this session remains unclear. A similar proposal was attached to the public safety omnibus legislation during last year’s session, but it was stripped from the measure.

The County Attorney is a regular guest during the Rochester's Good Morning show with Rich Peterson on KROC-AM.

 

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