I have been lucky to vote in Washington since I was 18. I dream of a democracy where every person has the right, the knowledge, and the power they need to participate in our governance.

But today, more than 20,000 of our neighbors who are living in their communities, paying taxes, and working hard for their families cannot vote because they are impacted by the criminal legal system.

For the months or years that they are under community supervision, they are denied a say in the issues that affect their daily lives. Additionally, because of the biases in our criminal legal system, Washingtonians who are Indigenous, Latinx, Black/African American, or low-income are much more likely to lose their voting rights this way. 

Our Legislature has a chance to right this wrong through House Bill 1078, which would return the fundamental right to vote to all citizens in our communities. 

This bill is a top priority for me and other voting rights advocates, including the many impacted people who are leading the push for Voting Rights Restoration. Allowing every citizen in the community to vote will promote racial justice, build a stronger democracy, and set people up for success when they return home.

I urge you to join me supporting this important movement! Call, write or email Senator Van De Wege, and Representatives Tharinger and Chapman to voice your support for HB 1078!

Carla Main
PORT TOWNSEND