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Felons Gain Right To Vote In Md. After Veto Override

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (WJZ) -- Butting heads with Governor Hogan. The Maryland General Assembly votes to override his veto of a bill that would have prevented felons out on probation from being able to vote.

Amy Yensi with more on what this means for thousands of felons, and the potential political implications.

"It's not a public safety issue. This issue is an issue of democracy," said Perry Hopkins, ex-felon and organizer, Communities United.

Former felon Perry Hopkins has been waiting for this day. Ex-felons in Maryland can now vote while they're still on parole or probation.

"I pay taxes just like you do. I go to work with you. My kids go to school with you. I worship with you. Why would I not have the right to vote?" said Hopkins.

Governor Hogan required ex-felons to complete their sentences and pay any restitution before being allowed to vote. Now, nearly 40,000 ex-felons in Maryland are no longer barred from the ballot.

"This will be my first time voting. I've done my time, so just let my voice be heard," Marcus Roles, ex-felon.

Senaor Michael Hough the decision by the state Senate is a slap in the face to the victims and the justice system.

"What we're doing here today doesn't make any sense--basically saying you can walk right out of jail, you can walk right out of a court room and start voting. You have not repaid your debt to society," Sen. Hough said.

From Governor Hogan: "Today, twenty-nine people in the Md. Senate decided to ignore reason and common sense and support an action that the vast majority of Marylanders vehemently oppose."

Now that the veto override is a done deal, its supporters say their next order of business is to reach as many felons as possible and urge them to vote.

"Now that we have a right, we also have a responsibility--it's called registering people to vote," said Hopkins.

Former felons are now getting that right in an election year, with so much at stake.

The law goes into effect in early March.

The primary election will be April 26, and the general election is set for November 8.

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