Abney, PLBC hear Allegheny County Jail officials over voting access
Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus July 31, 2024 | 10:13 AM
State Rep. Aerion Abney, D-Allegheny, addresses access to voting during a hearing in Pittsburgh on July 30.
HARRISBURG, July 31 – Led by state Reps. Aerion Abney, Napoleon Nelson, Rick Krajewski, Anthony Bellmon and Greg Scott, the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus on Tuesday heard from Allegheny County officials over incarcerated peoples’ right to vote from jail.
The caucus held a news conference in Pittsburgh during their Lunch and Learn Event with guests, including Allegheny County Jail Assistant Deputy Warden Connie Clark, County Elections Manager David Voye, Lorraine Cross of the Black Political Empowerment Project, Amy Kleissas from the League of Women Voters of Greater Pittsburgh, Destiny of Faith Church Rev. Brenda Gregg, and Teresa Minor Spencer of West End Power.
"Even behind bars, the right to vote is a beacon of hope, reminding us that every voice matters, and that redemption and civic duty are intertwined," said Abney, D-Allegheny. “Voting from jail underscores the principle that rehabilitation includes reintegration into society, fostering a sense of responsibility and participation in democratic processes.”
Discussion centered on allowing incarcerated individuals to vote and how that emphasizes the idea that justice and democracy are inclusive.
"The vote is the great equalizer; it bridges the gap between those inside and outside prison walls, ensuring that all citizens have a say in the laws that govern them," said Nelson, D-Montgomery, who is Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus chair.
"To deny the vote to those in jail is to silence a part of our community.”
Participants all agreed that voting from jail is important because it gives a voice to marginalized groups, helping to address systemic issues and promote fairer policies that affect both inmates and the wider community.
“I appreciate the work being done in Allegheny County Jail to ensure that voting rights are respected. Anyone held pre-trial or convicted for misdemeanors absolutely has the right to vote but, too often, incarcerated voters are effectively disenfranchised when they aren’t provided with voter registration forms or absentee ballots,” said Krajewski. “Creating voting procedures like those in Allegheny County Jail is a simple step which not only protects voting rights but, research shows, decreases recidivism by keeping incarcerated individuals civically engaged in their communities. It’s time to pass my bill, H.B. 1756, and ensure measures like these are in place at every correctional institution in the commonwealth.”
"The right to vote from jail is a powerful reminder that democracy extends to all citizens, fostering a sense of belonging and encouraging positive societal contributions even from within prison walls," said Scott, D-Montgomery. “Our commitment to this sacred right is ironclad.”
"Empowering incarcerated people to vote acknowledges their humanity, challenges the notion of disenfranchisement, and strengthens the democratic fabric of our society," said Bellmon, D-Phila.