WASHINGTON, USA — The November midterm elections are less than two weeks away and for thousands of people in Washington, it’s the first time they are eligible to vote under a new law that restored voting rights to formerly incarcerated people.
“I was actually incarcerated at 17,” said Cyril Walrond.
Walrond spent 17 years in prison and was released on Aug. 1 at the age of 34.
“The very next day to register to vote and to vote in the primary, really gave me a sense of connectivity within my community, where I realized that it’s not just talking and having all these different opinions, but really, I’m making my voice and my vote count,” Walrond said.
Walrond worked toward that day, even while inside prison. He worked with organizations like the Voting Rights Restoration Coalition.
“We have an opportunity to make sure that our voices are heard and that we are doing the things that are necessary to make sure all of our lives are being represented. That’s what true equity looks like,” Walrond said.
Under the new law that went into effect in January of this year, it automatically restores voting rights to people who have been released from prison after committing felonies, even if they are on parole. That means thousands will get the chance to vote for the first time this November.
“The shift is that we’re moving away from the kind of forever labeling people that have past convictions, and treating folks as outcasts for the rest of our lives or their lives, to welcoming people home, when they get released,” said Christopher Poulos, Director for Person-Centered Services at the Department of Corrections.
Poulos knows how that feels. He served three years in federal prison in Pennsylvania, a state where inmates could vote. However, Poulos’ ballot came a day too late, but that’s when his interest in voting restoration for people with convictions started.
Poulos said the ability to vote helps make people feel a part of the community and reduces recidivism.
“When people do really feel included, the chances are that they’re going to act the same way and act positively in our communities,” he said.
Poulos said under the new law, 13,000 more people across the state are eligible to vote.
It is good to see the home state do something right of late, especially on this topic. Now, get good ol’ Ron DeSantis in FLA to do the same thing, especially since his latest move has appeared to backfire. Yes, people, these two states are governed by two different parties, but the concept can still be applied regardless.
The best news here is that the new law includes people convicted of a sex offense.
Good on Washington for doing the right thing and not just the politically lazy thing.