Voting Rights Behind Bars: A Look at Who Can Vote and Why It Matters

In Pennsylvania, Election Day is coming up on November 4th. People have until October 20th to register to vote. Many important local races will be decided, like judges, district attorneys, and school boards. These races affect everyone's daily lives. But there's a group of people who are often left out of voting: those who are incarcerated. This includes people in county jails who are waiting for their trial or serving time for minor offenses. The only people who can't vote are those serving time for serious crimes or who broke election laws in the last four years. People in prison understand how the government works better than most. They see it every day. They know how important it is to have leaders who will fight for better treatment and fairer policies. The Pennsylvania Prison Society, which has been around since 1787, believes that everyone deserves dignity and safety, no matter what they've done. But very few incarcerated people actually vote. In 2020, only 52 out of about 25, 000 to 30, 000 people in county jails asked for a mail-in ballot. That's less than 0. 01%. This low number shows that there's a big problem with getting people in jail involved in voting. Voting in prison is different. People inside have limited access to information. They need help understanding who is running and what they do. Many also need support to vote because of literacy issues or health problems. But most jails don't make this a priority. Keeping eligible voters from casting their ballots is bad for democracy. Many people in prison will return to their communities. Helping them vote is not just about their rights. It's also about helping them re-enter society successfully. When we don't let people vote, we're telling them they don't matter. Every citizen, whether in prison or not, has a voice. It's time to make sure everyone can vote. Here's what you can do: 1. Register to vote or check your registration by October 20th. 2. Make a plan to vote. If you're in jail, fill out a mail-in ballot. If you're not, go to your polling place. The deadline to ask for a mail ballot is October 28th, and your ballot must be received by 8 p. m. on November 4th. 3. Demand access. Jails and prisons should work with groups like the Pennsylvania Prison Society to help people register and understand voting. Our democracy works best when everyone who can vote, does vote. That includes people behind bars.