VOTER ENGAGEMENT
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Voter Eligibility for Justice Involved People
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- Check your eligibility
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Voter Guides
Including races for City of LA, LA County, LAUSD, State of California and the Federal Government
Vote to Voice: Amplifying Our Community's Impact
Report: Mass incarceration is on the ballot
Prison Policy Initiative, by Mike Wessler, September 11, 2024
A guide to how 19 offices you may be asked to vote on can help end mass incarceration in America.
For voters interested in ending mass incarceration, we’ve put together a guide to the most common offices for which they will cast their ballots this November. We also explore how those offices can make decisions to reduce the number of people behind bars, improve conditions in prisons and jails, and help turn the page on America’s failed experiment with mass incarceration.
November Ballot 
With the presidential race dominating the news, it's essential to remember that your ballot in November will include much more. Local and state elections, often referred to as "Down-Ballot" races, are equally crucial. These positions—ranging from city council members to state legislators and ballot propositions—have a direct impact on issues like affordable housing, community budgets, and the allocation of resources for reentry programs. Engaging in these races means making informed decisions that shape the landscape of your community. As the election draws near, anticipate a surge in campaign communications. It's a pivotal time to connect with candidates to understand their stance on issues critical to the reentry community. Researching endorsements and positions of trusted groups can also guide your voting decisions, ensuring they reflect your values and address your community's needs.
Are You Registered to Vote? Are You Eligible to Vote?
Ensure your voice is heard by verifying your voter registration status ahead of November, especially if you are justice-impacted. Misunderstandings about voting eligibility with a felony record are common, but in California, nearly ALL in the reentry community are indeed eligible to vote. Confirm your status and register if needed to participate in the upcoming election.
The Importance of Voting for the Reentry Community. Every vote has the potential to be a step towards transformative policies that support reentry, rehabilitation, and justice reform. Voting empowers you to influence public policy that directly affects the reentry community. Active participation in elections helps safeguard the rights and needs of those impacted by the justice system. Your vote is more than a choice—it's a declaration of your voice and a commitment to shaping a just future for all.
Spotlight on Proposition 6: Understanding Involuntary Servitude
As part of our ongoing educational efforts, we highlight Proposition 6, aimed at amending the California Constitution to ban involuntary servitude as punishment for crimes. Under the current language of both the 13th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution and the California Constitution, involuntary servitude is permissible as a form of criminal punishment. This policy impacts many incarcerated individuals who are compelled to work, sometimes irrespective of their will, desire, or physical capabilities, and usually for mere pennies per hour.
Proposition 6, formally known as the Remove Involuntary Servitude as Punishment for Crime Amendment, proposes to change this, ensuring that no individual in state prisons is forced into labor. Understanding the implications of this amendment is crucial as it addresses significant issues surrounding human dignity and rights within the incarceration system. Educated voting is a powerful tool for community engagement and advocating for justice reform.
LA Times: Your guide to Proposition 6: Ending forced prison labor