Hi ACLU Supporter –

My name is D'Marria and I live in Oklahoma. I'm a mother of two sons, Adam and Abraham. Everything I do is for them. I'm also formerly incarcerated: eight years in prison and five years on probation.

That’s 13 years of my life that I could not vote.

When I was released, the pain from my incarceration fueled me to want to take action. So I started running voter drives and working to change our laws so we can all have a voice in how we shape our society. Learn more about my story – and why I'm fighting for a future where no one gets denied their right to vote.

When I was young, I made the choice to sell crack. I knew that it could result in me getting arrested, but I didn't expect to get a federal charge and a mandatory minimum 10-year sentence. By the time I got convicted, I was pregnant. I was already making changes in my life to be a good mother to my son, but it was too late.

My baby was four months old when I was sentenced. I remember looking at him and wondering how I could leave my child who was so dependent on me. My child motivated me to do everything I could to become a better person.

When I was out, I worked on legislation to end shackling pregnant women while being incarcerated while they deliver their babies. I was able to help pass a bill, yet I wasn’t able to vote because of my felony charge.

Voting is fundamental to our democracy. It should never be taken away as punishment. Serving time is the punishment. And if my voice matters, then your voice matters – then all of our voices matter.

ACLU Supporter, presidential candidates are debating again tonight. Still, none of the candidates have brought up expanding voting rights on the debate stage. Learn more about my story and why we need to end laws that strip citizens like me of their right to vote.

Thanks for listening,

D'Marria Monday
Mother and advocate for voting rights