We Are FIERCE.
Formerly Incarcerated Elected & Appointed Representatives & Allies Coordinating to Enfranchise, Equalize, & ElevateOur Framework & Values
The Jail & Post-Release Voting Portal is an online resource that provides cost-free resources for presently and formerly incarcerated voters and their advocates about voting eligibility requirements and voting procedures at the pre-trial, post-conviction, and post-release stages. It is an initiative of the Election Protection Jail & Post-Release Voting Working Group that is developed and maintained by the Prisoners Legal Advocacy Network in collaboration with state and local partners. The materials in the Portal may not reflect the views of all advocates or organizations that participate in the Working Group.
Impacted-Led
This initiative recognizes and honors the longstanding leadership roles of presently and formerly incarcerated advocates in the jail and post-release voting rights spaces. Jailhouse lawyers, prison paralegals, and formerly incarcerated advocates play leading roles in designing, developing, and maintaining this Portal, in partnership with trusted allies. In addition to providing cost-free resources for voters and advocates, this Portal amplifies the efforts of impacted-led initiatives and publicizes opportunities for community involvement.
Voicing Votes
We believe that true reform of the criminal legal system, and an inclusive democracy that reflects the views and priorities of all community members, cannot be achieved unless those directly impacted by the criminal legal system mobilize as a fully activated voting constituency. Our votes are our voices. Impacted advocates collaborate and share ideas and resources through participation in the Working Group’s national VOICE (Voting to Overcome Incarceration and Carceral Experiences) board.
Inclusive Organizing
We are stronger together. Presently and formerly incarcerated people play critical roles in voting rights organizing even if they are themselves disenfranchised. We can all engage friends and family, and mobilize them to voice and elevate our concerns by voting in our honor, even if we cannot vote ourselves. We help expand the franchise by testifying about our experiences, whether we do so in court, at a legislative hearing, or in our daily lives.
Holistic Approach
We adopt a whole-person approach to the work. We engage others who have been impacted by the criminal legal system not only as potential voters or voting advocates, but also as multi-faceted members of our communities. We understand that many are grappling with the hardships of carceral life or re-entry and we provide unity and community.
Ongoing Engagement
Forging partnerships, building trust, and supporting one another through the challenges of incarceration and post-release supervision are not intermittent efforts limited to election seasons. This initiative operates 365 days a year, and sustains involvement in and support of our communities at all times, not only when an election is looming.
Deepening Collaboration
We convene national meetings and events that bring impacted leaders and trusted allies into collaboration. This initiative recognizes that impacted advocates were among the first to work in jail and post-release voting spaces. We partner with allies who join us in designing and implementing strategies and tactics, as opposed to inviting us to take part in campaigns developed without our active participation. We work with allies who share our understanding that we have important skills and expertise beyond our “lived experiences,” and that we have invaluable roles to play in all aspects of the work.
Building Power
Through the Working Group, and together with our trusted allies, we are building power to end prison gerrymandering and felony disenfranchisement and restore the voting rights of people regardless of their conviction status or incarceration.