Rep. Ilhan Omar Hosts Minnesota State Rep. Cedrick Frazier as Her State of the Union Guest

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Ilhan Omar(D-MN) will host Minnesota State Representative Cedrick Frazier (DFL) as her guest to the 2024 State of the Union address. Rep. Frazier was the author of Minnesota's Restore the Vote legislation, a historic law signed in 2023 that reinstated voting rights to over 55,000 Minnesotans on parole, probation or supervised release after felony convictions.

"I'm honored to welcome Rep. Cedrick Frazier to the State of the Union as my guest," said Rep. Omar."His leadership in passing the Restore the Vote Act in Minnesota encapsulates the spirit of justice, rehabilitation and empowerment that should guide our democracy. At a time when voting rights remain under threat across the country, Rep. Frazier's work serves as a powerful example of how expanding access to the ballot box strengthens our communities and nation."

The Restore the Vote Act was one of the most expansive voting rights restoration laws enacted in recent years when signed in 2023. It allowed people convicted of felonies to regain their right to vote once released from incarceration, regardless of parole or probation status. Previously, Minnesota had been one of only 16 states that maintained disenfranchisement for all individuals on parole, probation or supervised release.

"The right to vote is the cornerstone of democracy, and I was proud to champion this monumental legislation to re-enfranchise thousands of Minnesotans," said Rep. Frazier. "Having completed their sentences, these are Minnesotans who live, work and raise families in our communities. They deserve to have their voices heard at the ballot box. I'm grateful to Rep. Omar for the honor of attending the State of the Union to highlight the need for voting rights for all Americans."

An estimated 4.5 million Americans remain unable to vote due to a felony conviction, while millions more face confusing laws and systemic barriers.

In the current Congress, Rep. Omar is a co-sponsor of the Democracy Restoration Act led by Representative Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) and the Inclusive Democracy Act led by Representative Ayanna Pressley (D-MA). The DemocracyRestoration Act would guarantee the right to vote in federal elections for all Americans upon release from incarceration, unless currently serving a felony sentence. The Inclusive Democracy Act would guarantee voting rights for all Americans regardless of any criminal conviction. It also outlines processes for voter registration/voting access for currently incarcerated individuals.

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