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"The United States is a democracy. Ex-felons are part of that democracy," Handy said. "We need to feel included in the process and should be included in the process." Minnesota law states that voter rights are automatically restored to convicted felons once they've officially served all prison time, probation and parole. Corrections officials say it is department policy to inform offenders in writing that their civil rights are restored once their sentences are completed. "There's a myth out there among many, many people who think they can't vote, serve on juries or other things because they've been convicted of felonies," said Pete Orput, Minnesota Corrections Department director of policy and legal services. "We notify everyone who is discharged from the system that their voting privileges are restored and that they now have the right to run for elected office and serve in that office." [more]