Empower Justice-Involved People at the Polls.
We work to eradicate the silencing of those whose lives have touched the criminal legal system. Voter suppression runs rampant, even in NYC. The deadlines, misinformation, confusing patchwork of laws and bureaucratic hurdles all keep those but the most affluent from the polls and from inside elected offices at every jurisdictional level in order to promulgate change.
Justice Votes NY is a means for those personally impacted by the criminal legal system to take power. Voting is how we realize the dream that those with criminal convictions will become an informed electorate that can bring about change. Now that this year’s election is over we move to the broader civic engagement. As we have seen in COVID, the Government has ignored our people, and they will only begin to acknowledge those with criminal convictions if they become a powerful voting bloc with whom they are forced to reckon.
We want to provide people with education and self efficacy to choose to mobilize to the polls, rather than to feel pressured to participate in a system that has failed them.
For communities most impacted by incarceration, creating opportunities for neighbors to connect and mobilize while building a sense of ownership in the political process is critical for long term sustainable community health and well-being
This year has revealed again the rampant racial inequities pervading all our institutions. We must meet that and extinguish it by demanding better of our politicians who see the mistreatment of BIPOC individuals and do nothing.
We created a three session curriculum that covers voter disenfranchisement, how to register, and how to successfully vote through all mediums possible.
We then trained trainers, who themselves are justice-impacted to teach cohorts as strongly believed in a peer-based model.
Now we are in the process of reviewing the various outcomes and best practices as we strive towards a future in which the over 70 million+ Americans with criminal convictions can become a voting bloc so powerful it imposes actual justice and legitimacy in this country, starting by demanding every person have the right to vote.
While on of the most greatly anticipated presidential elections is over, critical elections still loom. It is the the local elections that impact us most on a day to day basis. The following are materials meant to help educate on the process. Let’s ensure our new City Council People, District Attorneys are accountable to you.
Education on these systems is the key to combating New York’s voter suppression.
If you think you are ineligible to vote, you should know that you likely do have the right. The only instances in which you can NOT vote are when you are incarcerated after being adjudicated for a felony or are out on parole for a felony (to which there are exceptions). If you are no Federal or NYS probation and a resident in NYC you have the right to vote, as well if you are under no community supervision. If you are on parole you may have received a conditional pardon under Executive Order 181. To check click on the parolee look-up to see if it is marked “active.” Additionally if you receive a Certificate of Relief from Disabilities or Certificate of Good Conduct you may vote.
Our valuation on what will mobilize all our family to the polls in going and you could help significantly! If you are justice-impacted and registered or voted for the first time this year since a criminal conviction, please reach out to ADVOCACYATCCF@GMAIL.COM with any questions related to this work.
You have power no matter what.
Most importantly you should know that voting is a way to use your voice but not the only way. Those who missed the deadline or are disenfranchised should not feel they cannot promulgate change. You can. Stay tuned to learn more.
PLEASE CONTACT SBAZELL@COLLEGEANDCOMMUNITY.ORG WITH ANY ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS!
On the eve of #ElectionDay 2020, justice-impacted artists and activists from CCF's Art to Equity program share their stories of perseverance and power.
A conversation on the importance of voting access for marginalized communities.
Vivian Nixon, Executive Director of College & Community Fellowship, walks you through completing and preparing your New York State absentee ballot!