MINNEAPOLIS — This year, there are tens of thousands of Minnesotans newly eligible to cast a ballot. Legislature passed a new law giving voting rights back to formerly incarcerated people and those with felony records.
But groups like T.O.N.E. U.P. fear not everyone who has been impacted by this law may know of that fact. Which is why Devonte Williams and his team walked around a south Minneapolis neighborhood today knocking on doors.
Williams, the program director at T.O.N.E. U.P. isn't door-knocking for a candidate. It's more of a reminder knock.
"Doing what we need to do for democracy, we pay our taxes, and stuff like that, so it's important that we vote and we get out and encourage others to vote," Williams said.
Going from a list, they knock on doors. Many are unanswered, but Williams said Monday has been productive so far, having had a couple of meaningful discussions with people who were home to greet him.
"Some people could be home and not be comfortable to answer and some people aren't actually home," he said.
The knock effort is also to spread the word about T.O.N.E. U.P. and the work that they do for the community.
"It's really pushing you to be a better you, to grow that's what the community needs, someone they can trust, and they can count on to hold them accountable during tough times," Williams explained.
This get-out-the-vote effort is one that effects him personally.
"This is my first year voting, I've never voted, so I'm excited to vote tomorrow," Williams said with a big smile.
That restoration of that right, is news worth sharing.
"This whole time my voice didn't matter and now it matters," Williams said. "So that's how we're out there approaching the door with that compassion. Letting people know hey we understand your voice was taken away from you this is the time to get it back. Be involved in your community and your democracy."
He said he and his brother grew up around that south Minneapolis neighborhood. He said he couldn't be prouder to be a part of this effort.
"It's the community, it's our community," Williams said. "It feels good to be in my community, stepping for my community."
T.O.N.E. U.P. is completely non-partisan, and does not push for any certain candidates in any races.
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