Pa. Legislative Black Caucus, Centre County officials examine voting from jail
Groups discuss the importance of accessing the vote
Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus August 28, 2024 | 4:35 PM
BELLEFONTE, Aug. 28 – State lawmakers and Centre County officials today toured the Centre County Correctional Facility together and discussed the importance of voting access, as it pertains to people who are incarcerated.
Discussion centered on facility policies allowing individuals to vote from jail and how the duty to vote, justice and democracy are related.
“I speak on behalf of the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus when I say that we are impressed with the level of voting access that the CCCF provides,” said state Rep. Aerion Abney, D-Allegheny, who is a member of the PLBC and hosted the meeting. “When we look at the issue of voting from jail, we’re also talking about the dignity and power it can provide for the voter."
“It’s imperative that incarcerated people know that their voice is not only wanted at the polls but is needed. Denying the right to vote to individuals in jail strips them of their humanity and silences voices that need to be heard in a democracy."
“In 2018, Centre County Correctional Facility staff, the Commissioners, and a community volunteer began the process of exploring what voting would look like in our facility,” said Warden Glenn Irwin, Centre County Correctional Facility. “We know how important voting is, so we work to stay compliant with current PA election laws and regulations while ensuring all of our eligible returning citizens can receive information and education on how to register to vote and complete a mail-in ballot.”
People serving jail time for a felony conviction cannot vote in Pennsylvania elections, but others can. Pennsylvania is one of 23 states that automatically restores voting rights for those convicted of a felony once their prison sentence is complete.
"Restoring voting rights to incarcerated people is essential for creating a just society that believes in second chances and values every citizen's voice,” said state Rep. Rick Krajewski, D-Phila. “Voting is a powerful tool for change, and when we exclude incarcerated people, we deny them the opportunity to participate in shaping the system that governs their lives."
“Many jailed voters are not provided with complete or accurate information about their right to vote from jail and how to do so,” said NAACP-PA Civic Engagement Director Tristan Smith. “Sometimes, they’re provided no information at all. We are proud to be here today to call for comprehensive reforms to ensure there are avenues to realizing the promise of the right to vote in jails.”
“Centre County's correctional facility is a model in PA for ensuring access to the ballot for eligible voters who are inmates,” said Centre County Commissioner Amber Concepcion. “Encouraging this fundamental right of citizenship is consistent with our goal as a county of preparing returning citizens for successful reentry following their incarceration.”