DemocracyBehindBarsMA

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Massachusetts is now the third state in the nation to advance voting rights restoration for those in prison out of committee. This win was earned by incarcerated and formerly incarcerated organizers like our coalition leads in the AACC. YES! #mapoli

In Massachusetts, people serving time for felonies haven’t been allowed to vote in any elections since 2000, when voters approved a constitutional amendment suspending their rights. If it’s successful, the new initiative would reverse that. wgbh.org/news/local/202…

"I remember the feeling I had while speaking at the hearing — I felt empowered, respected, and amazed to have the opportunity to grow as a person. And if I could vote, it would create a sense that I’m not just tolerated but actually a part of this society. bostonglobe.com/2025/08/06/opi…

@EmersonCollege's Emerson Prison Initiative '22 alumnus Maurice Skillman argues to restore voting rights in this @BostonGlobe op ed: bostonglobe.com/2025/08/06/opi… and historian Reiko Hillyer's op ed puts it in context: bostonglobe.com/2025/08/06/opi… #Democracy #DemocracyInAction #prison

Make sure to also read Professor Reiko Hillyer's companion op-ed on why letting prisoners vote in Massachusetts is not a radical idea: bostonglobe.com/2025/08/06/opi…

Maurice builds support for the coalition by identifying potential organizations aligned with the mission to end felony disenfranchisement. A graduate of the Emerson Prison Initiative with a BA degree, Maurice also serves as a board member of the AACC at MCI-Norfolk.

On the 60th Anniversary of the Voting Rights Act, take a moment to read a powerful article published in The Boston Globe, written by Maurice Skillman — an incarcerated organizer and dedicated advocate for voting rights restoration. bostonglobe.com/2025/08/06/opi…

Testified at the Joint Election Laws Cte at the MA State House earlier today in support of ending remaining incarceration-based disenfranchisement. When people lose the right to vote, they often think they have done so permanently, something I have seen a lot when canvassing.

NEW: On Tuesday, supporters, including currently incarcerated individuals, testified before the Massachusetts Election Laws Committee in support of amendments to restore voting rights. This hearing was the first step for S.7 and H.63, introduced by @SenLizMiranda and @rep_erika

@erika4rep Justin Rodriguez talks about how the AACC has taught him about what civic duty means. #mapoli

@erika4rep Alexander Gallet: I wanted to join the fight to restore our voting rights because it gives me the opportunity to show my dad that I finally understand the importance of rights and fighting for them. #mapoli

@erika4rep Yisbert Lara: “The right to vote allows us to become civically involved and experience for the first time how to be a part of a community event and to see that our voice matters.” #mapoli

@erika4rep Maurice Skillman: It is time to end felony-based disengagement and join Vermont, Maine, Puerto Rico, and Washington DC. #mapoli

@erika4rep Corey “Al-Ameen” Patterson of the AACC: “I strongly believe that if lawmakers are serious about protecting us in a meaningful way, they must fully include us in the democratic process.” #mapoli

.@LizForBoston : “Black people in MA are eight times more likely than white people to lose the right to vote.” She is testifying in support of her bill to end all remaining incarceration-based disenfranchisement. #mapoli

Massachusetts residents — Tell your state lawmakers that all incarcerated residents completing their felony sentence deserve a voice in how the state is governed. Take action here: secure.sentencingproject.org/a/ma-lawmakers… @SentencingProj @ProgressiveMass @CampaignLegal @PLSMA @ACLU_Mass

Join us and bring a friend to our next community session! RSVP here: bit.ly/4i9pmap

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2025 kickoff! Join us for an in-person discussion and community organizing session in Roxbury on Saturday, Feb. 22. Refreshments will be served.

This Thursday! forms.gle/VLSLvFfh8vQDcB…

Join us next Thursday for our first in-person session about the unlocking voting power behind bars and beyond. Sign up here: forms.gle/VLSLvFfh8vQDcB…