What Incarcerated People Want Candidates to Know
Most people in prison can’t vote. That doesn’t mean they aren’t paying attention.
Incarcerated people are stripped of their freedom and, for most, their right to vote. But this does not mean people behind bars aren’t politically engaged; many have strong views on candidates and care deeply about a broad range of election issues.
A recent survey by The Marshall Project found that incarcerated people have a wide range of views about the candidates running in the upcoming presidential election. But barriers to communication make it difficult for people in prison to actively participate in political conversations. Yet, incarcerated people’s views matter. Policy decisions at the local, state, and national levels deeply impact every aspect of their lives, from their access to educational opportunities to the quality of their medical care. Their perspectives also offer a helpful window into the issues their friends, family, and advocates may care most about when casting their votes.
To give incarcerated people an opportunity to actively participate in the conversations politicians and voters are having ahead of the election, The Appeal partnered with two incarcerated journalists, Kwaneta Harris and Christopher Blackwell, to survey a small sample of their fellow prisoners’ top election issues at Lane Murray Unit, Texas, and Washington Corrections Center, Washington State.
“Just like people in society, incarcerated people have a desire to participate in our elections. We have thoughts and views that are debated inside as we envision a society where our communities are safe, taxes are fair, resources are given, and a justice system that heals as opposed to causing further harm,” Blackwell said. “However, much of the incarcerated population across the United States have been silenced and had our voices and contributions to our elections removed from the conversation.”
Respondents ranged from their early-20s to early 50s; identified as white, Black, Vietnamese, Hispanic, and Native American; and supported both major-party candidates for president. The results reflect strong views on many of the issues prioritized by people outside prison, as well as a focus on criminal justice reform and alternative pathways to public safety.
“We aren’t a monolith. We are not some single-issue voting block. Inside citizens often care about what outside citizens care about: healthcare costs, inflation, and safety,” said Harris. “We are constituents and deserve to have a voice in our government despite our location. As soon-to-be returning citizens, we have a vested interest in affordable, safe communities for our loved ones.”
Click to jump to the answers below:
What do you want candidates to be talking about this election?
Inflation is so bad. The cost of living is too high. We are affected, too. We don’t get paid to work and I depend on my family to send money for my hygiene stuff. When prices go up out there, they go up in here. I stretch my shampoo and conditioner by adding water to it.
– Amber M
I would like to see candidates talk about this country’s issue with mass incarceration, and the disproportionate sentencing practices that continue to harm marginalized communities like mine. We have 5% of the world’s population, but incarcerate 25% of the world’s incarcerated population. Something doesn’t add up here.
– Antoine D
Unemployment rate needs to be lower. Provide incentives for state prisons to reduce recidivism.
– Chacey P
I want more help to take care of families and lower costs of groceries and bills.
– Christa M
Single transferable vote, gerrymandering, and criminal justice reform.
– Christopher S
Climate change is one of the most important issues. What does anything else matter if the Earth isn’t livable?
– Crystal R
Eliminate juvenile prisons and healthcare for everyone.
– Daryhana D
I would like them to focus on the economy, border security, and education for our kids.
– Dennis R
I want them to be talking about social justice issues that disproportionately impact communities of color. Especially over-policing and police brutality.
– Imran V
Restorative justice and alternatives to incarceration for problems linked to class, race and wealth.
– Jon K
The need for second chances when it comes to prison reform, along with affordable communication for prisoners and our families. Issues that involve the average person: like wages, gas prices, rent and healthcare.
– Joseph M
1. Public policy: The thing they talk about least. 2. Creating a Palestinian state: Which both presidential candidates claim to support. 3. Justice reform.
– Kevin L
Lower the prices on everything. Everything is too high. My kids and parents are struggling. Make stuff affordable.
– Kimberly W
Childcare and sex education. I had six kids by age 22. National Domestic Violence Prevention policy.
– Marissa P
Tax reform is my biggest thing.
– Mary S
Criminal justice reform, and issues pertaining to landlords raising rent where it becomes unaffordable to tenants, forcing them to become homeless.
– Michael L
National security, global stability, and economic resurgence.
– Raymond W
1) Voting rights for the incarcerated! 2) Parole in all states. 3) Free communication in prison. 4) Higher education while in prison. 5) Civic engagement.
– Redhawk M
Criminal Justice reform. Especially, sentencing reform.
– Samantha W
Religious candidate that’s Christian and has Christian views in mind when they make their decisions.
– Shawandassee B
What questions do you want candidates to answer?
Why don’t you lower the costs of college? It shouldn’t be a choice of college or rent. People who are struggling financially should get more financial aid, not loans.
– Amber M
1) How will they work to mitigate the harm caused by outdated laws and policies that have plagued communities of color? And 2) In what ways will they invest in proven solutions that work to reduce crime and address root problems in poor and communities of color? Such as trauma centers, education, community organizations that provide much needed resources, etc.
– Antoine D
What is your long-term goal for lowering the unemployment rate? What can you do for the millions of formerly incarcerated folks trying to gain employment but specific convictions exclude them from the labor pool? For example, How do you expect the many single mothers leaving prison with murder convictions for self defense to provide for her children? What will you do to provide evidence-based drug rehabilitation in all prisons?
– Chacey P
Do you support breaking the two-party lock on our politics, what solutions do you support ie single transferable vote/ instant runoff vote]? Do you believe mass incarceration has a positive impact on community safety? What evidence to you have to support your belief?
– Christopher S
What type of incentives would you provide to the states to help families with college education, drug rehabilitation instead of prison and helping keep families struggling with addiction together? In what ways will your administration help poor people?
– Crystal R
I got a few questions: Why both of them are okay with putting young kids in juvenile prisons where we get beat and raped then transfer us to adult prison when we 16? Why do they let charges we got at 13 and 14 still be used to deny us parole at 21? What are your plans to expand healthcare coverage for everyone no matter age, finances and medical history?
– Daryhana D
I would like to see what the Democratic Party has to say about inflation and foreign policy. How are they going to help improve these two areas if they were to remain in office.
– Dennis R
I want to know if they really care about education in the prison system.
– Imran V
With America incarcerating so many people, so often, usually people of color, or from poor and underprivileged backgrounds, do you believe that this is structural racism in action? Does this practice prevent the citizens who would perhaps vote differently diminish those votes based on racial prejudice?
– Jon K
How they are going to handle hot button issues, not just talk around them, actual plans. Amending the 13th Amendment, by removing the exception clause from it.
– Joseph M
How will you limit who gets access to guns? It’s too easy for people who should never even have a water gun with pistols. Guns getting in the wrong hands and hurting too many people.
– Kimberly W
Do you believe our society benefits from mass incarceration? And if not, what is your plan to end it?
– Kevin L
What policy will help bring sex education to public schools in states that don’t provide any? What can you do to lessen the burden of childcare to single parents? How will you help the children of incarcerated parents? What support will you offer women in abusive relationships, so they can leave?
– Marissa P
Why do the poor people pay so many taxes and the rich don’t pay a lot? Why does a fast food worker pay more taxes than a billionaire? Who makes these rules up?
– Mary S
How can any candidate overlook the injustice of thousands of men and women who are currently incarcerated after decades when they committed their crimes under the age of 25. Candidates need to be focused on things like brain science by working with states to reduce such populations within our prisons.
– Michael L
I don’t want answers to questions. I want action taken to fix the problems we are experiencing.
– Raymond W
Why have incarcerated people and our families been neglected for so long? Why when it’s clear we are being harmed by the carceral system do they do NOTHING!
– Redhawk M
I want honesty. What are their real honest opinions on the abortion issue?
– Samantha W
Are they going to go into war or pull us out of wars?
– Shawandassee B
Have you been following the upcoming election? (If so, how?)
No, I only heard debate highlights on radio stations. The radio signal be in and out. It’s hard to follow current events without TVs.
– Amber M
I have, but it’s been a little challenging because I don’t feel connected to any of the candidates. I’ve watched some of the debates, but that’s about the extent of it.
– Antoine D
As best I can. I listen to Nightline and CBS news podcast on my tablet.
– Chacey P
No.
– Christa M
CNN, Fox News, Seattle Times newspaper, and the AP Newsfeed.
– Christopher S
I only get to follow Trump [in] part because all we’re allowed to watch on TV is Fox News. I don’t have a tablet so I don’t get to listen to PBS stuff.
– Crystal R
No. I listen to what the radio DJ says.
– Daryhana D
Yes, I watch national news outlets like Fox News and CNN. I don’t really like either of the two candidates we have on the ticket. But I do feel like from what I see, I can trust Donald Trump more to put this country back in order.
– Dennis R
Yes, I follow through news media.
– Imran V
Yes, but only by television and print.
– Jon K
Yes, by paying attention to the candidates’ issues on media outlets and then talking with friends and family about the issues at hand.
– Joseph M
Broadcast and print journalism—primarily the PBS Newshour and AP reporting.
– Kevin L
Not really—little bit I’ve seen on Fox News when we come out for our hour once a day.
– Kimberly W
No. I just eavesdrop on what I hear smart people in here say.
– Marissa P
No. We ain’t got no way to really follow stuff unless it’s Fox News. I get my information from other incarcerated women who I trust.
– Mary S
No!
– Michael L
I’ve been following on TV, and through people I talk with in community.
– Raymond W
Yes, local and national news media. And my wife updates me on things our communities are facing daily.
– Redhawk M
Yes. I listen to PBS and CBS news podcast on my tablet.
– Samantha W
Somewhat. I read magazines and catch Fox News in the dayroom when I can
– Shawandassee B