Restore the Right to Vote to Thousands in Illinois

In Illinois, there are roughly 38,000 people incarcerated in state prisons, unable to vote but still impacted by the decisions of elected officials. Of those incarcerated, 55 percent are Black and 43 percent are between the ages of 18 and 35. We are disenfranchising our young, Black Illinoisans.

All Illinois citizens deserve voting rights. Senate Bill 828 would end felony disenfranchisement in Illinois and restore the right to vote to people in prison.

Hello,

I am writing to urge you to support the restoration of voting rights for Illinois residents in prison with Senate Bill 828.

Currently, there are roughly 38,000 people in Illinois prisons, unable to vote but still impacted by the decisions made by elected officials. Of those incarcerated, 55 percent are Black, 43 percent are between the ages of 18 and 35, and hundreds are veterans.

In case you are having any doubts about supporting Senate Bill 828, below are answers to frequently asked questions about the bill:

1. Is Senate Bill 828 constitutional?
Yes! The Illinois constitution states, “A person convicted of a felony, or otherwise under sentence in a correctional institution or jail, shall lose the right to vote, which right shall be restored not later than upon completion of his sentence.” The exact length of disenfranchisement is not specified. SB 828 restores the right to vote for voters no later than 14 days post-conviction.

2. What are the residency requirements for voter registration and voting under SB 828?
In the language of SB 828, incarcerated persons are considered residents of their pre-incarceration place of residence. In other words, people in prison would vote on a ballot corresponding to their most recent address prior to incarceration, which would not drastically change the electorate in the communities in which prisons are located.

In order for democracy to serve all of us, democracy must include all of us. Restoring the right to vote to people in prison and supporting Senate Bill 828 would make Illinois safer and more inclusive.

As your constituent, I’m asking for you to co-sponsor Senate Bill 828 to support a more inclusive democracy!

Thank you!

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