This story was written in partnership with Represent Justice.
We’ve got some good news! California finally has the chance to do the right thing for its returning community members and system-impacted returning citizens like Jarrett Harper. What could it be?
Yes On Prop 17 shared this sobering fact: “Nearly 50,000 Californians [like Jarrett Harper] who have returned home from prison [haven’t had their voting rights restored] even though they are raising families, holding jobs, paying taxes, and contributing to society in every other way.”
Of course, that’s not OK. But there is something voters can do about it.
On the ballot in November, you’ll see Proposition 17 (Prop 17). If it passes, here’s what we and our friends at Represent Justice are excited for it to do.
Prop 17 will restore voting rights to Californians returning home from prison sentences – instead of waiting until AFTER they’ve completed their parole.
Parole, after all, should be a period of reintegration into community and the responsibilities of citizenship, instead of being weaponized as an extended imprisonment.
Prop 17 will also clarify confusing rules so that those who are ALREADY eligible to vote will know it. This is long overdue!
California is lagging behind 19 other states and D.C., who already allow returning citizens the right to vote. It’s time for ALL states to end the voter suppression legacy of felony disenfranchisement!
Let’s hope California voters agree.