More Than 13,400 Oregonians Silenced by Felony Voting Bans as Primary Election Approaches
In Oregon, over 13,400 adults are banned from voting in the upcoming primary elections, because they are currently incarcerated for a felony conviction.
Related to: Voting Rights, State Advocacy
[Washington, D.C.] – In Oregon, over 13,400 adults are banned from voting in the upcoming primary elections, because they are currently incarcerated for a felony conviction. According to The Sentencing Project, Oregon’s rate of felony disenfranchisement exceeds that of neighboring states Washington and California. The state’s felony voting ban disproportionately silences Black Oregonians– while only 1.8% of Oregon’s population is Black, 8.7% of its eligible voters who are banned from voting are Black, at a higher rate than the overall national average.
“Voting bans due to a felony conviction silence thousands, particularly Black Oregonians, weakening the foundation of our democracy,” said Nicole D. Porter, Senior Director of Advocacy at The Sentencing Project. “When individuals are excluded from the electoral process, entire communities lose a voice in shaping the policies that govern their lives. Civic participation is essential to successful reentry, stronger communities, and a more just society. Ensuring broader access to the ballot is not just about fairness – it’s about strengthening our democracy for everyone.”
“Almost everyone currently incarcerated in Oregon prisons will one day be freed,” said Zach Winston, Policy Director at the Oregon Justice Resource Center. “For decades, Oregon has denied the opportunity for people in prison to fully participate in our democracy. We should prioritize protecting and expanding the right to vote for people impacted by the criminal justice system. Restoring the right to vote can have an important positive impact on incarcerated people’s investment in our community and future reintegration.”
Since 1997, 26 states and the District of Columbia have expanded the right to vote to over 2 million Americans with felony convictions. Oregon has the opportunity to live up to its reputation as a progressive vanguard and allow all citizens to participate in the democratic process regardless of incarceration status. Lawmakers must take the necessary actions to ensure voting rights for all eligible citizens. By doing so, they can work to advance racial justice and affirm that voting is not a privilege, but a right for everyone.
About The Sentencing Project
The Sentencing Project advocates for effective and humane responses to crime that minimize imprisonment and criminalization of youth and adults by promoting racial, ethnic, economic, and gender justice. www.sentencingproject.org
About the Oregon Justice Resource Center
The Oregon Justice Resource Center is a public interest law firm and nonprofit organization based in Portland, Oregon. We provide legal services to currently and formerly incarcerated individuals, with a focus on populations that have often been underserved in the past. We are changing the criminal system in Oregon through our legal work, policy and advocacy initiatives, public education, communications, and strategic partnerships. www.ojrc.info.
