Past felony conviction? You can vote.
As of January 1, 2022, Washington automatically restores voting rights to people with past felony convictions immediately after you finish your prison terms. Every citizen out of prison can vote now, even while on community supervision. Thanks to your activism, we have welcomed more than 20,000 voters back into our democracy.
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United for Restoration
Who we are:
The Washington State Voting Rights Restoration Coalition is a community of people and organizations who are seeking justice for our families and neighbors impacted by our criminal justice system. We are a coalition that supports the end to criminal disenfranchisement. Our priorities align with our core values and thus we are committed to supporting legislation that aligns with our collective values of humanity, empowerment, racial equity, inclusion, and a free democracy.
Our Fight
Ending Criminal Disenfranchisement
The right to vote affirms our humanity, our voice, and our identity as Americans. But Washington’s prison system strips thousands of voters of their most fundamental right as citizens. Having strong ties to the community through civic engagement, specifically voting, increases the ability for reintegration, reducing recidivism, and making communities safer. Free The Vote WA is working to restore the right to vote to all incarcerated citizens through legislation.
Voting in Jail
All voters are eligible to vote from jail, but lack access to the internet, mailing services, and other critical voting resources that other citizens enjoy. Moreover, staff in jails and some county elections administrators have historically neglected education and ballot access for people in our jails. As a result, the people who are most impacted by our systems are locked out of a say in the decisions that affect their lives. Free The Vote WA is working with elections officials and our community partners on increasing access to the ballot for incarcerated voters, while also working to pass legislation to support our efforts.
Watch
All Videos
Free the Vote - Part 1: Register to Vote Online
Free the Vote - Part 2: Register to Vote by Paper
Free the Vote - Part 3: Meet the Credible Messengers!
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Learn
The Voting Rights Restoration bill has been signed into law! Now, every citizen in Washington will be eligible to vote if they are not currently incarcerated.
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Register at VoteWa.gov
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Check out our messaging guide
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Go to the Secretary of State website to find updates
The Latest News
Restoration of voting rights will help curb domestic violence
Judy Chen and Kiantha Duncan
We see the right to vote as an expression of our humanity. The value of this expression should not be measured by one’s prior involvement with a criminal legal system that often demonizes victims and perpetrators of crimes.
The right to vote helps rehumanize incarcerated people
Kim Bogucki
After 13 years of hearing thousands of answers and forging hundreds of relationships with people with lived experience, the reality cannot be dismissed: the paths that brought these people into the criminal legal system are often rooted in poverty, racism and inequities in housing, healthcare and education.
Members
Stafford Creek
Contact
Need help registering to vote? Fill out the form below with your preferred email or phone number.
