4.6 million is a number that I can’t live with.

Yet in every election since 2000, that’s how many Americans have been disenfranchised by state laws that prevent people with felony convictions from voting. 

An even greater number don’t vote because confusing and conflicting state laws make it hard to know if their rights are restored. The result is that millions of Americans have no say in the policies that affect them and their families. 

Felony disenfranchisement is a Jim Crow relic that was created to deny Black Americans access to the ballot box after the Civil War. Over 150 years later, it’s time for it to end. 

That’s why a few weeks ago, alongside partners like the Sentencing Project and Chicago Votes, we held the first national convening on voting rights restoration. 

Civic Power: Challenging 50 Years of Mass Incarceration was an energizing event months in the making that brought together over 100 community organizers and formerly and currently incarcerated folks for roundtable discussions, panels, and strategy sessions focused on re-enfranchising millions of Americans. 

Thankfully, there is a bill pending in Congress right now that would be a meaningful step in the fight for voting rights restoration.

The Democracy Restoration Act would restore voting rights in federal elections for people that have been released from incarceration and are back living in their communities. Send an email to your legislators and urge them to cosponsor this important bill.

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At the conference, many people with felony convictions shared how they want to participate and engage in democracy, not just for themselves but their families and communities. I was particularly inspired by the men from Stateville Correctional Center’s civic education course that joined us via Zoom who shared their desire to advocate for their families at the ballot box. 

A common misconception is that incarcerated and formerly incarcerated folks don’t care about our democracy, but that couldn’t be farther from the truth. Many incarcerated folks are eager to participate in local, state, and federal elections. In fact, most probably have a better grasp on the issues than the average voter. 

Imagine serving your sentence and even coming back home and still being unable to help your family in this crucial way because you’re barred from casting a ballot. Laws passed and people elected continue to govern you, your loved ones, and your community, but you remain powerless to have a say in the process. 

It’s up to all of us to break this brutal cycle. This conference was an important step on the road towards re-enfranchisement in our country, one I hope to be a part of again next year. But you can fight for rights restoration right now by sending an email to your legislators, urging them to become co-sponsors of the Democracy Restoration Act.

Thanks for all that you do. 

Sarah Harris
Deputy Communications Director & Press Secretary