my voice, my vote

The Minnesota Second Chance Coalition is calling for volunteers to be photographed in their campaign to restore the right to vote for people convicted of felonies in Minnesota. During the 2009 campaign I offered a report on Felon Disenfranchisement in Minnesota report and some brief Senate testimony -- I'm hoping to update both this summer and would welcome any feedback.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED to participate in our voting rights restoration campaign!
A professional photographer has agreed to take photos of individuals who are currently or have in the past been denied the right to vote based on a felony conviction. Photos will be used in the MY VOICE, MY VOTE campaign. A copy of the photo will be made available to anyone wishing to participate in the campaign. We need your voice to help restore the right to vote for thousands who are currently disenfranchised. Photos will be taken on two dates in two locations:

Tuesday, May 18th, 2010; 5:30 - 7:00PM; Emerge Community Development; 1101 West Broadway Avenue; Minneapolis, MN 55411-2571

Thursday, May 20th, 2010; 5:30 - 7:00PM; Goodwill Easter Seals; 533 Fairview Ave N; St. Paul, MN 55104

 Restoring the right to vote for ex-offenders living in the community maximizes their ability to contribute to society.
 Minnesota denies the right to vote for anyone convicted of a felony and is on probation, supervised release (parole) or is incarcerated.
 Over 70,000 Minnesotans with a felony conviction were unable to vote in 2007, an increase of over 500% since 1982. Over 60,000 Minnesotans would be re-enfranchised by allowing parolees and probationers to vote. Minnesota ranks fourth highest in the nation for number of individuals who are on probation or parole. The result is that 87% of the 70,000 disenfranchised live in the community, hold jobs and pay taxes.