Disenfranchisement News: Your Support is Needed for the Democracy Restoration Act Today!

TAKE ACTION: Add Your Organization to a Sign-on Letter in Support of the Democracy Restoration Act Dear Friends: The Sentencing Project is engaged with Senator Russ Feingold and Representative John Conyers on legislation to restore federal voting rights to individuals with felony convictions who are not incarcerated. The Democracy Restoration Act will be introduced in the coming weeks and we hope to have strong support from members of Congress. We are writing to ask for your organization's support in this effort. Please review this sign-on letter (http://sentencingproject.org/userfiles/file/fd_DRASignOnLetter.pdf) and consider adding your organization to the chorus of advocates seeking a more inclusive democracy. The deadline to include your organization on the letter to Congress is July 1. Please email [email protected] to join. National: Department of Justice Makes Available State-specific Tools on Rights Restoration The Department of Justice Civil Rights Division has posted on its Web site a comprehensive guide for individuals across the country to learn how to regain their voting rights, if eligible. The guide provides links for each state that point directly to the state's disenfranchisement laws and restoration procedures. Alabama: Inmates Prepare for Municipal Election Rev. Kenneth Glasgow and The Ordinary People's Society are registering voters in city and county jails to vote in the upcoming municipal election, the Dothan Eagle reported. Persons in prison or jail in Alabama may vote if not convicted of crimes of moral turpitude. In 2006, 90 inmates in city and county jails statewide voted. In 2007, 300 voted, and in 2008, 2,500 inmates voted, including individuals in state prison, the article states. - - - - - - Help The Sentencing Project continue to bring you news and updates on disenfranchisement! Make a contribution today. Contact Information -- e-mail: [email protected], web: http://www.sentencingproject.org.