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Op-Ed by Rev. David Miller - Barbourville, KY
As someone deeply rooted in faith and shaped by a lifelong commitment to serving others, I’ve come to believe that restorative justice is not merely a policy — it’s a calling.
Voting rights restoration for individuals who have served their time is one of the most tangible ways we can live out the principles of redemption and second chances that are central to my ministry and faith.
My work in voting rights restoration is driven by a deep conviction that justice and love are inseparable. Over the past few years, I have walked alongside individuals who have struggled to reclaim their sense of belonging after incarceration. Their stories have shaped my understanding of what it means to offer grace in tangible ways. I have seen how restoring the right to vote can bring dignity, hope, and the affirmation that their voices matter — a reminder that they are not defined solely by their past but by their capacity to contribute meaningfully to their communities.
In Scripture, we are taught that justice is rooted in love. The prophet Micah reminds us to “act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God” (Micah 6:8). Justice and mercy are inseparable, and together they compel us to embrace those who have stumbled, to forgive, and to create opportunities for transformation. Denying a person the right to vote — even after they have repaid their debt to society — is to deny their full humanity. It perpetuates a cycle of exclusion that stands in stark contrast to the inclusive love of Christ.
Faith teaches us that every person is a child of God, imbued with dignity and worth. The act of voting is more than a civic duty — it is a declaration of belonging, a way to affirm one’s voice and role in the community. For those who have been disenfranchised, restoring this right is a step toward healing and reintegration, a way of saying: “You matter. You are not forgotten.”
Restorative justice, including voting rights restoration, also strengthens our democracy. By expanding participation, we foster a more representative and just society. This benefits us all, aligning with the biblical vision of shalom — a community marked by peace, wholeness, and justice.
In Kentucky, progress has been made, but there is more work to do. My prayer is that lawmakers will continue to act with courage and compassion to remove unnecessary barriers for returning citizens. Let us be reminded that the hallmark of a faithful community is one that offers grace in abundance.
I challenge all people of faith, regardless of denomination, to advocate for the restoration of voting rights. Let us embody the gospel’s message of hope, reconciliation, and inclusion. Together, we can ensure that every voice is heard, and every life is valued.
For me, this is not just a political issue; it’s a moral imperative. It’s about building a society that reflects the best of who we are — a society where redemption is not only possible but celebrated.
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Rev. David Miller serves as university chaplain at Union Commonwealth University and as an ordained elder in the Kentucky Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church. He also sits on the advocacy team for the Kentucky Council of Churches. Rev. Miller resides in Barbourville.
