In the early hours of Wednesday, February 22, a bill to give convicted felons the right to vote, no matter their crime, passed the Minnesota Senate along party-lines. 

“This legislation allows violent criminals, including rapists and murderers, who are still on probation to vote,” said Senator Gary Dahms (R – Redwood Falls). “I believe it’s necessary for people to fully complete their penalties before having voting rights restored. Otherwise, we are denying justice to victims of crime. The solution is not to eliminate the penalties of a crime but instead engage in crime prevention to ensure there are fewer felons and fewer crime victims.” 

One amendment offered by Senate Republicans required at least a two-year waiting period for voting rights to be restored, regardless of probation length. Republicans also offered amendments to prevent certain egregious violent criminals, and those convicted of a felony for voter fraud, from regaining their right to vote until their full sentences (both incarceration and probation) are completed. The Senate Democrat majority, however, continued to reject these and other reasonable proposals and refuses to work across the aisle. 

“Criminals actively work to damage our communities,” continued Senator Dahms. “Voting is a privilege. It is not fair to law-abiding Minnesota voters to restore voting rights to convicted felons until they fulfill all requirements of their sentencing.” 

Click here to view additional comments by Senator Dahms.