Men who work at Better Futures Minnesota, a south Minneapolis nonprofit that helps formerly incarcerated individuals, are preparing to vote in the upcoming election. Despite past disqualifications due to felony convictions, a law passed in 2023 allows 55,000 Minnesotans with felony records, who have served their sentences, to cast their votes. Native Americans, who are overrepresented in the prison population, are one group among those disenfranchised from the democratic process, making it even more important to ensure they exercise their right to vote.
Individuals like Talon Frank and Landen Russette have taken advantage of this opportunity to register and vote. Better Futures Minnesota has played a critical role in helping these individuals navigate the voter registration process and get to the polls. Both Frank and Russette cite concerns about the cost of living and making ends meet as key issues that motivated them to vote.
For Russette, a member of the Fort Peck Sioux Tribe, casting his vote was a significant moment as he had never been able to participate in an election before due to his felony convictions. He expressed a desire to set an example for his children by voting and emphasizing the importance of having a voice in shaping policies that impact their lives.
With the support of organizations like Better Futures Minnesota, individuals like Frank and Russette are reclaiming their right to vote and making their voices heard in the democratic process. By participating in the election, they aim to make a difference in their communities and advocate for issues that are important to them.
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