Who in California currently has the right to vote? Eligible voters are citizens of the United States, 18 years of age or older as of Election Day. But, what if you’ve been arrested or have a conviction? “Many Californians mistakenly believe a criminal conviction keeps them from voting. Politicians bet on that fact to win elections,” according to the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). So, let’s set the record straight. You are eligible to vote if you: Are awaiting trial or are on trial for any crime; Are in jail for a … [Read more...] about Voting rights for people with criminal convictions
Ella Baker Center for Human Rights
CA bills aim to reform law for juveniles and adults
Sacramento, CA —On April 4, the California Senate Public Safety Committee voted to pass Senate Bills 1392 and 1393, half of the Equity and Justice Package, authored by Sen. Holly J. Mitchell (D-Los Angeles) and Sen. Ricardo Lara (D-Bell Gardens). The two Senate leaders are joint authors on bills that together seek major justice reforms for juveniles and adults. “Mass incarceration is a massive moral failure and policy failure. It’s a moral failure because we now know that it is injurious to families and to the economies of low-income … [Read more...] about CA bills aim to reform law for juveniles and adults
Shaka Senghor visits prison to speak about change
Shaka Senghor, 45, a consulting producer for Oprah Winfrey’s new program, Released, which debuted on the OWN cable television network, visited San Quentin State Prison in November 2017. Senghor said he wants to collaborate with men in prison. He knows about incarceration because he served time, 19 years in prison for second-degree murder in Michigan. Seven of those years were in solitary confinement. “I spent two decades with these men,” said Senghor. “Friends don’t leave friends behind.” He said there’s no turning back to that past life, … [Read more...] about Shaka Senghor visits prison to speak about change