HARRISBURG, Pa. — With less than a month to go until Election Day, lawmakers in Harrisburg are once again starting a conversation about the voting rights of incarcerated people.
State Rep. Rick Krajewski (D-Philadelphia) and other lawmakers are pushing for better education surrounding voting rights when it comes to people in Pennsylvania's prisons.
State Rep. Krajewski introduced House Bill 1756 last year, which would expand voting access and education inside prisons.
In Pennsylvania, those awaiting trial while in prison and those who have been convicted of misdemeanors are already able to vote. Those who are on probation, released on parole or on house arrest are also able to vote.
But lawmakers say many of those incarcerated people don’t know that which is why they believe more education is needed.
"We cannot say we're defenders of democracy but only defend it for some of us," said State Rep. Krajewski.
Members of the Legislative Black Caucus are celebrating what they say is a major win. The Pennsylvania Department of State has- for the first time- released guidance for voting in jails.
“The guidance clarifies who is eligible to vote, provides recommendations for voter registration, absentee ballot information and secure submission and processing of ballots," explained State Rep. Krajewski.
They’re calling on their fellow lawmakers to bring House Bill 1756 up for a vote, which would help expand voting education to prisoners.
They say ballot access remains restricted for those currently and formerly incarcerated and the legislation is needed to prevent “de facto disenfranchisement.”
“For far too long, people who have only had accusations lagging against them have not been able to lift their voice and make their choice," said State Rep. Joanna McClinton (D-Philadelphia), who is also Speaker of the House.
House Bill 1756 remains in the State Government Committee for now.