Our Legislative Priorities
Ensuring Access to Voters in Jails
We believe every citizen should have an equal opportunity to vote, no matter their race, income, or circumstances. However, staff in jails and some county elections administrators have historically neglected education and ballot access for people in our jails. All voters are eligible to vote from jail, but lack access to the internet, mailing services, and other critical voting resources that other citizens enjoy. As a result, the people who are most impacted by our systems are locked out of a say in the decisions that affect their lives.
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Why do we need to create access?
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We can create a more robust and healthy democracy that encourages participation from all voters, especially BIPOC and lower-income voters that are targeted by our criminal legal system.
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We can improve outcomes for people in jail and their neighborhoods. Voting gives people a sense of belonging and responsibility for the community, setting them up for success when they return home.
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What would improve?
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Access to the voter’s pamphlet and voter registration forms
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Visible voter information in general population areas and/or on tablets (key dates, laws on voting rights restoration and eligibility, etc)
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Allowing election officials to access jails at least 30 days before elections for outreach and education
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Plans for election officials to get ballots to jailed voters during the voting period just like any other voter
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Designated jail voting coordinators among jail staff and within auditor’s offices
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Requirements to collect data and report on jail voting progress after elections
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Requirements to document requests and complaints from voters in jails
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