Former felons lead the voter restoration movement

The backdrop: Louisiana’s governor is expected to sign a measure that Yancy, an organizer with the Voice of the Experienced (VOTE,) and others had lobbied for, that will allow those on probation or parole to vote, once they’ve been out of prison for five years.

What they’re saying: Former felons-turned reform advocates say voting restoration would ease transition into society and allow them to overcome the stigma of incarceration.

“This is a big reward. We’ve been fighting it in court,” said Yancy, who has been out of prison for for 15 years and whose parole ends in 2056.