The right to vote is fundamental to our democracy and should never be taken away. But today, an estimated 4.6 million people, disproportionately Black and Brown people, are denied their right to vote because they have felony convictions. In fact, all but two states—Maine and Vermont—and the District of Columbia, limit access to the polls for those with involvement in the criminal legal system.
Jennifer Tu is the Ristad Program Associate for AFSC's California Healing Justice program, based in Oakland. Jennifer works on decarceration, police demilitarization, and alternatives to policing and prisons.
Devonn Thomas is the St. Louis Peacebuilding Program Director.