Rhode Island Must Finish The Work of Voting Rights Restoration

[Washington, D.C.] – As Rhode Islanders vote in today’s primary election, thousands of the state’s residents will be excluded from the democratic process because they are incarcerated. The Sentencing Project found that approximately 4 million people across the United States are disenfranchised due to felony convictions, and estimated that 1,595 Rhode Islanders, or .19% of the state’s population, were disenfranchised as of 2024.

Rhode Island has made significant progress over the last twenty years. In 2006, voters approved a constitutional amendment restoring voting rights to people with felony convictions upon their release from prison. While individuals with felony convictions regain their voting rights upon release, those who are still in prison remain unable to cast a ballot. Jurisdictions including Maine and Vermont do not strip anyone of the right to vote, including incarcerated people.

“Rhode Island has shown how expanding voting rights strengthens our democracy,” said Bob Libal, Senior Campaign Strategist for The Sentencing Project. “Voting rights are not fully restored however, if people who are incarcerated still don’t have a voice in the laws that shape our lives and communities. Every Rhode Islander deserves to participate in the democratic process, regardless of where they live.”

“As we reflect on this milestone year for voting restoration in Rhode Island, we must remember that the state has already demonstrated that voting rights can be restored, ” said Kyle Campbell, Co-founder of the Rhode Island Freedom Collective. “The next step is to ensure that the promise of democracy extends to all Rhode Islanders – including those who are currently incarcerated – to truly fulfill the promise of democracy.”

With the primary election approaching, advocates are urging Rhode Island to continue examining barriers that prevent residents from participating in elections. Restoring voting has been shown to encourage civic engagement,  promote successful reentry upon release, and reduce recidivism, thereby improving community safety.

Twenty years after Rhode Island voters approved expanding the franchise, the state is well positioned to take the next step as a leader in strengthening democracy.  Ensuring that all Rhode Islanders, including those who are incarcerated, can fulfill the promise of democracy for everyone.

About the Rhode Island Freedom Collective

The RI Freedom Collective is creating a robust network supporting Formerly Incarcerated Persons (FIPs), influencing policy change, and elevating the voices of people currently incarcerated and their families in Rhode Island and nationally. www.rifreedomcollective.org

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