West LA Times

As efforts to increase voter turnout intensify across the United States, a group of sociologists, political scientists, and nonprofits are focusing on reaching out to over two million individuals with felony convictions who may not be aware they can legally vote. UCLA sociology professor Naomi Sugie, along with colleagues from UC Irvine, UC Berkeley School of Law, and Stanford University, analyzed voting barriers faced by this population during the November 2022 election. Their findings were published in the October issue of Punishment and Society. This fall, they continue monitoring these obstacles alongside Project VOICES (Voter Outreach In Communities Experiencing System-Involvement), which is actively working ahead of the 2024 election.

While a felony conviction often results in losing voting rights, many states restore these rights after incarceration or supervision. According to The Sentencing Project, laws have changed in 26 states and the District of Columbia since 1997 to expand eligibility for those convicted of felonies. "This is about righting a wrong," said Sugie. "The system of mass incarceration and current and historical legacies of voter suppression have excluded millions of people. The laws have changed, and people need to know that."

During the November 2022 election cycle, researchers collaborated with organizations like the Alliance for Safety and Justice and Time Done as part of Project VOICES. They conducted interviews and focus groups while implementing large-scale text message outreach to over 15,000 individuals—12% responded—to understand perspectives impacted by the criminal legal system.

In five states—California, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Texas—the team continues voter outreach this year with expanded efforts in Florida and Georgia. Text messaging campaigns aim to reach 30,000 system-impacted individuals with messages sent multiple times leading up to elections.

Delia from Texas expressed confusion about her eligibility: “Every unit I went to...‘You got a felony now. You’re never going to get a job or vote.’ And so you believe that.” Julian from California added: “They just trying to be off parole...voting is just another foreign language.”

To assist these voters at the ballot box effectively requires community organizations like reentry networks prioritizing clearing misconceptions around voter eligibility through direct outreach focusing on registration assistance.

Organizations also emphasize how system-impacted individuals influence elections positively; Javier from Building Freedom Ohio stated: “Whether it’s because we’re returning citizens...our votes are powerful.”

Limiting access limits justice according Sugie: “Disenfranchisement is a justice issue,” affecting communities disproportionately impacted by criminal systems such as poor racial minorities ensuring their voices matter politically too.

"Your vote is your voice," Javier concluded.