Almost 200,000 felons in Kentucky will now have their voting rights restored thanks to an executive order signed by Gov. Steve Beshear on Tuesday.

The executive order automatically restores voting rights for about 180,000 people in the state who were convicted of certain felonies and meet specific criteria.

"Being able to participate in democracy and being able to vote for elected officials is so important," said 36-year-old Mantell Stevens who lost his right to vote 15 years ago after he was convicted of drug possession, according to The Associated Press. "I think I'm able to possibly elect some officials that might help better my community."

Under the order, felons will have their rights automatically restored after they complete their sentences, along with any probation or parole, and pay their court-mandated restitution. However, the order excludes felons convicted of bribery, treason, violent crimes or sex crimes.

Previously, those convicted of a felony were required to apply to the governor's office to have their voting rights restored. Now, the Department of Corrections will make that determination based on if a released prisoner meets the criteria, Beshear said. Meanwhile, felons that have already been freed must fill out a special form in order to begin the review.

"The old system is unfair," said the Democratic governor to reporters at the state Capitol, reports Reuters. "We need to be smarter in our criminal justice system. Research shows that ex-felons who vote are less likely to commit new crime and return to prison. That's because if you vote, you tend to be more engaged in society."

"This disenfranchisement makes no sense ... because it dilutes the energy of democracy, which functions only if all classes and categories of people have a voice, not just the privileged, powerful few," Beshear said.

The two-term governor will be succeeded by Republican governor-elect Matt Bevin next month, who may consider revoking the order after he is inaugurated.