The Minnesota DFL announced today that they're changing party rules to allow those who are not eligible to vote to fully participate in the party, including working for candidates and running for party office.
The change comes after an appeals court ruled that state law that precluded those who have prior felony convictions and those without citizenship status from participating in the process was unconstitutional.
DFL chair Ken Martin says it's an important step for the party. He says that having all members of the party being able to participate is needed for the process.
"Our party recognizes that we must invite all party members to participate at ever level of our caucus and convention process. So that all members may have the opportunity to endorse candidates. To run and select party leadership. To introduce resolutions and vote on matters such as a party platform."
Elizer Darris is co-executive director of the Minnesota Freedom Fund and has been on felony probation since being convicted as a juvenile. He says he will no longer feel like he is on the outside looking in.
"I have been part and parcel on the outer skirts of society. This right here makes democracy that much more accessible to me. Just that much more closer to being able to cast a ballot."
The ban on voting in elections still applies to those affected. It's unclear if the state GOP has any plans to change its policy in light of the court ruling.
