Voting rights are crucial to a functioning democracy. But for these returning citizens, it's about more than just voting. It's about the restoration of humanity.

Every person who is concerned with creating a strong democracy and society where we are treated equally must stand up and fight for the restoration of rights for returning citizens. From the stripping of voting rights to the ability to serve on a jury to access to housing and employment, ex-felons are continuously punished after serving their sentences. Until members of this community are treated as citizens again, we are failing on democracy as a country.