Voting in Pr*son and Inclusive Democracy

As of 2022, 4.4 million American citizens are denied their constitutional right to vote due to felony disenfranchisement laws that disproportionately target people of color and lower-income Americans. One in 19 Black Americans of voting age are disenfranchised, a rate 3.5 times higher than non-Black Americans. In 8 states (AL, AZ, FL, KY, MS, SD, TN, VA), over 1 in 10 Black adults are disenfranchised.

There is a national movement to end felony disenfranchisement. The federal Inclusive Democracy Act (H.R.6643/S.3423) introduced by Rep. Ayanna Pressley (MA) and Sen. Peter Welch (VT) would expand voting rights to those affected by felony disenfranchisement. Many states have also restored voting rights to citizens post-incarceration through legislation, executive action, and ballot initiative.

A panel of policy experts, advocates, and impacted people will discuss the necessity and political viability of this bill and how ending felony disenfranchisement is critical to building an inclusive democracy. We hope to build momentum and hold an open discussion on the need for federal disenfranchisement leadership.

Sandwiches, snacks, and other refreshments will be provided.

*This briefing is closed to press

Keynotes from Sen. Welch and Rep. Pressley

Opening Remarks from Virginia Kase Solomón, Common Cause

Speakers:

• Christina Harvey, Stand Up America, Moderator
• Nicole Porter, The Sentencing Project, Panelist
• Avalon Betts-Gaston, IL Alliance for Reentry and Justice, Panelist
• Kyle Giddings, Colorado Criminal Justice Reform Coalition, Panelist
• Reginald Thedford, Campaign Legal Center, Panelist

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Russell Senate Office Building, 2 Constitution Avenue Northeast, Washington, United States