I share my personal story as someone who has made mistakes in the past, errors in judgment that resulted in my becoming a felon. However, like many others, I've served my due sentence and want to move forward with my life. The lifelong punishment of revoking the privilege of voting and travel doesn't seem just or rehabilitative. Even our current President Trump, who has had legal issues, was allowed these rights. It's time we address this inconsistency and extend these rights to all, because everyone deserves a second chance.

As per the Sentencing Project, an estimated 5.85 million people in the U.S lost their voting rights due to felony conviction as of 2020, that's approximately 2.27% of the nation's voting-age population. This is not a marginal issue, but one that widely impacts our democracy. Another concerning issue is the travel restrictions imposed on felons, hindering their opportunities for work and personal growth. In a society that aims for justice and fairness, these rights should not be and must not be reserved for a select few.

We desperately need reforms to allow felons to vote and travel out of the United States. It's time to end this cycle of disenfranchisement, to encourage rehabilitation and reintegration into society, and let justice truly serve its purpose. Sign this petition today to support this important step towards fairness and rehabilitation.