Nevada’s Felony Voting Ban Excludes Thousands from Primary Election
Despite notable progress in recent criminal justice reform efforts, the Silver State still denies incarcerated residents voting rights.
Related to: Voting Rights, State Advocacy
[Washington, DC]- According to The Sentencing Project, over 11,000 Nevada residents will be excluded from voting in the June 9th primary election due to state law barring citizens who are incarcerated with a felony conviction from making their voices heard. Upon release, citizens’ rights are restored; but many eligible voters in local jails lack sufficient access to the ballot.
“Nevadans being denied a chance to elect representatives who will make policy choices that directly impact their communities is undemocratic and unjust,” said Bob Libal, Senior Campaign Strategist at The Sentencing Project. “Nevada’s felony voting ban underscores the need for legislation that supports voting in prisons and encourages civic participation amongst voters who are incarcerated. When justice-impacted citizens are empowered to vote, participate in community leadership, and engage in public discourse, it fosters a sense of belonging and connection to one’s community.”
“Tens of thousands of justice-impacted Nevadans are striving to rebuild their lives, contribute to their communities, and participate fully in democracy; but disenfranchisement laws continue to be a barrier that impedes successful reentry,” said Jagada Chambers, Executive Director of Mass Liberation Project Nevada. “With critical elections approaching, Nevada lawmakers must prioritize legislation that extends voting rights to all citizens regardless of their criminal legal status. Our democracy is stronger when everyone can participate.”
Although people are not disenfranchised in Nevada while detained pre-trial or when convicted of a misdemeanor offense, there is still work to be done to ensure all Nevadans have fair access to the ballot.
About The Sentencing Project
The Sentencing Project is a national nonprofit organization advocating for a fair and effective criminal justice system. Through research, policy analysis, and public education, it promotes reforms that reduce incarceration and advance racial justice.
About Mass Liberation Project Nevada
The Mass Liberation Project supports grassroots organizing to abolish the criminal legal system as we know it. We are a site of personal transformation, training, coaching, and strategy for organizers who are directly impacted by the system.
