Today, nearly 5.2 million Americans are denied access to the polls because of racist laws that bar people with felony convictions from voting (read our blog to learn more).
Felony disenfranchisement remains the U.S.’s longest-standing form of voter suppression. Until we restore the right to vote to all, our elections will be undemocratic and the results illegitimate.
During election season, you have a unique opportunity to get candidates on the record about issues that are important to you—and to influence their opinions. You can do this by seeking out a candidate (for Congress, state legislatures, or any public office), asking them where they stand on issues you care about, and documenting their responses to share with the public.
Ask candidates whether they will work to restore the vote to all. Visit our “bird-dogging” resource for tips on questioning political candidates on the campaign trail.
Here’s a sample script you can use:
“Here in [your state], many people are barred from exercising their right to vote because of involvement in the criminal justice system. I believe the right to vote should never be taken away. Will you protect our right to vote by working to end felony disenfranchisement?”
Note: You can customize your question by sharing a story (your own or that of someone in your community who is affected by this issue) or urging candidates to support or oppose specific legislation in your state.