WILMINGTON, N.C. — At the end of July, Daquan Peters became one of the over 55,000 North Carolinians who got their right to vote restored.

What You Need To Know

  • People who have been convicted of felonies who are on probation, parole or post-release supervision can now register to vote

  • More than 55,000 North Carolinians were affected by a law restricting the voting rights of convicted felons

  • Daquan Peters of Second Chance Alliance in New Hanover County says felons face many challenges when they come back into society

After a long court battle, people previously convicted of felonies who are on probation, parole or post-release supervision can now register to vote.

Before the ruling they had to complete the sentence before being able to register.

Related: Thousands of N.C. felons can now register and vote

When he was finally able to register, Peters says it was surreal, but also bittersweet.

“The reason why I say it’s bitter is because of what it took us to be recognized as individuals and human beings, to participate in a democracy that you’re taxing us and taking our money,” Peters said.

Peters works for Second Chance Alliance in New Hanover County.

He’s out in the community, helping people going through and coming out of the legal system.

From housing to jobs, there's a long list of ways it's difficult for people coming back into society.

He knows firsthand the challenges they face.

Peters was given a sentence of over 21 years for a drug offense. He served over 12 years before being released in 2019.

When he got out, he says he wanted to be an asset to his community.

Even though the ruling is a game changer, Peters says the work they’re doing to register people to vote is hard.

He says they not only have to educate people about their rights, but also instill hope.

“It’s hard trying to convince somebody or paint a picture for somebody who’s been hopeless all their life,” Peters said. “Who’s watched their mothers, grandmothers, aunt, uncles, family members vote every year, and nothing changes.”

Before he was released, Peters said he never had the desire to vote.

Now, he’s out trying to rally his community, showing them the power they have with their vote and their voice.

“Some of these people that are running are losing by a very small margin, couple hundred votes, 3%, stuff like that. So when you factor in 50-something thousand people that wasn’t thinking about, that you wasn’t even counting on to vote, now you’ve got your work cut out for yourself.”