John,

In a groundbreaking year for progress on expanding the right to vote to justice-impacted people, states like Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, Texas and Virginia have set an example of the transformative change that can happen through the will of the people.

In partnership with our grassroots and national advocates and organizations, The Sentencing Project convened grassroots and national coalitions, produced state factsheets, submitted testimony, participated on panel discussions, provided technical assistance and trainings, amplified media attention, and more to support the passage of multiple state voting rights initiatives in 2023. Voting rights highlights include:

Michigan passed legislation automatically registering people to vote upon their release from prison;
Minnesota restored voting rights to over 46,000 Minnesotans on felony probation and parole – the largest voting rights expansion the state has seen in decades;
New Mexico restored voting rights to over 11,000 citizens on felony probation or parole and advocates hosted voter engagement events for new voters;
In Texas, Dallas County implemented a voting site in its jail, helping to continue the momentum for more jail-based voting locations as the 2024 elections approach.

As we navigate the evolving political landscape, these inspiring developments serve as powerful reminders that by working together in pursuit of progress, we can push for meaningful criminal legal reforms that make our country more humane, more just, and more democratic.

Click here to read more 2023 highlights.