The right to vote should not disappear behind bars
People incarcerated in local jails primarily include those:
Who could not pay bail
Who are awaiting trial
Who have not been convicted of the charges on which they are being held
Who have been convicted of a misdemeanor (which does not result in a loss of the right to vote)
Almost everyone in these circumstances is eligible to vote. Yet they cannot do so due to procedural barriers and lack of coordination between elections and corrections officials.
The League of Women Voters Saratoga County is partnering with The League of Women Voters of New York to encourage the passage of the Democracy During Detention Act (DDDA).
Summary: This legislation ensures that all eligible citizens in jails can effectively register and vote, clarifying the role of Boards of Elections in administering voter education, registration, and access to the ballot, in coordination with and cooperation from correction officials. DDDA authorizes poll sites in jails, expands on the bipartisan absentee ballot collection program already in place for other congregate facilities, improves residual voter access and data reporting, maintains security, and provides parity of access to digital tools and safeguards for citizens with disabilities and limited English proficiency.
You can help!!
Contact Your Legislators
Ask your State Senator and Assemblymember to support S440A Myrie / A2121A Walker. Urge them to co-sponsor the Democracy During Detention Act.
Share the Information
Help raise awareness about this bill and the gap it seeks to address. Reach out to community organizations.
Submit a Memo of Support
If your organization supports voting rights, consider submitting a formal Memo of Support. You will find a template here under additional resources: (DDDA).