The Voting Rights Restoration Act
Massachusetts is moving forward with S. 524, H. 873, and H. 874. These bills build on the 2022 VOTES Act to restore the fundamental right to vote for citizens currently incarcerated with felony convictions in local and presidential elections.
Lead Sponsors
Sen. Liz Miranda, Rep. Erika Uyterhoeven, and Rep. Chynah Tyler
What These Bills Do
This legislation restores the right to vote in local and presidential elections for citizens serving felony convictions, ensuring they remain part of the communities they will return to.
What These Bills Won't Do
- Voters will use their last residential address, not the location of the correctional facility.
- Restrictions remain for state-level executive and legislative offices.
Did You Know?
Historically Democratic
Low Operational Cost
Lower Recidivism
For 200 years, incarcerated citizens in MA were permitted to vote until a ballot initiative revoked this right in 2000.
Restoration is fiscally neutral, using existing mail-ballot systems already active for other eligible voters.
Research shows that civic engagement improves reentry outcomes and fosters a sense of agency and responsibility.
Impact analysis shows that most municipalities would see only a small number of additional voters, focusing change where reentry support is most needed. Recent polling indicates 76% support for these reforms among residents ages 18–29.
Join Our Weekly Coalition Meeting
Every Wednesday 6pm-7:30pm EST
On Boarding/Orientation
Every 3rd Thursaday of Every Month
Join our mission and help bridge the gap in our democratic process. Your time and expertise can make a direct impact on the lives of incarcerated individuals and their families.
Give new members the chance to meet others by introducing themselves and sharing their stories.
I wrote this piece from prison. Why shouldn’t I vote from
here too?
By Maurice Skillman
A powerful article published by The Boston Globe, written by Maurice Skillman - an incarcerated organizer and dedicated advocate for voting rights restoration. Maurice plays a key role in building support for the coalition by identifying potential endorsers and organizations aligned with the mission to end felony disenfranchisement.
A graduate of the Emerson Prison Initiative with a BA degree, Maurice also serves as a board member of the African American Coalition Committee (AACC) at MCI-Norfolk.
We are dedicated to ensuring that incarcerated individuals have the same democratic voice as anyone else. Our mission is to provide the legal guidance and volunteer support necessary for those behind bars to navigate the complex voting process and participate fully in our nation's democracy.
10k+
50+
100%
Registered
Incarcerated individuals empowered to vote across several states since our founding.
Prisons
Active volunteer programs providing direct guidance within state and federal facilities.
Impact
Committed to ensuring every eligible person has a clear path to participate in democracy.