In his inaugural address, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said he will file an executive order this week restoring the voting rights of many convicted felons who are currently disenfranchised under state law.

“My faith teaches me to treat others with dignity and respect,” the new Democratic governor told his audience outside the state Capitol. “My faith also teachers forgiveness.”

“That’s why on Thursday I will sign an executive order restoring voting rights to over a hundred thousand men and women who have done wrong in the past but are doing right now. They deserve to participate in our great democracy,” Beshear said.

A January report from the League of Women Voters of Kentucky found that in the state, about 312,000 people are disenfranchised due to felony convictions.

Beshear narrowly beat out former Kentucky Gov. Matt Bevin (R) for the role in an election in November.

Beshear has previously served as Kentucky’s attorney general. He was sworn in as governor on Tuesday.

Under Kentucky’s Constitution, voting rights can be restored solely by the governor.

“For people who make mistakes and serve their time, it’s a double jeopardy to say ‘We’re never going to give you back your civil rights, not for the rest of your life. We’ll take your taxes but we’ll stifle your voice forever,’” said Tayna Fogle of Lexington, a voting rights activist with Kentuckians for the Commonwealth.

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