What Incarcerated People Want Voters to Remember
Most people in prison can’t vote. This is what they want you to think about when you cast your ballot.
When election officials start counting votes tomorrow night, there won’t be many ballots from incarcerated people among the total. But even though most incarcerated people can’t vote, our survey results published last week show that they still want candidates to hear their concerns.
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. Our first installment focused on what incarcerated citizens want candidates to know. Today we’re publishing the remaining survey responses, which answer the question, “What do you hope voters outside of prison remember or care about when they cast their vote?”
Their responses reflect the diverse and wide-ranging perspectives of the incarcerated people who completed our survey. Politics can be just as polarizing a topic within prison as it is outside. “We aren’t a monolith. We are not some single-issue voting block,” said Harris.
Please read Part 1 of this survey here: What Incarcerated People Want Candidates to Know
Nonetheless, all of the respondents had messages for voters to consider on election day. Unable to vote themselves, they still want to make their voices heard at the ballot box.
“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.
What do you wish voters outside of prison remember or care about when they cast their vote?
I want them to think about how this person is going to represent our country and what other nations’ opinions of us will be. Do they see us as leaders?
– Amber M
I really wish people would keep in mind the “communities” who’ve been left with the least amount of resources and consider candidates who understand not only “their” problems but are also open to possible solutions that would help eradicate those problems that have existed for decades.
– Antoine D
Don’t just vote to get a sticker. But realize the effects of who you place in office will affect future generations.
– Chacey P
Prices of feeding your family.
– Christa M
Voting records of incumbents. Hold them accountable for bad-faith negotiations on issues.
– Christopher S
Keep in mind that voting not only affects you but others. Think about what is good for everyone as a whole.
– Crystal R
Who is the best one for all kids’ futures, not just your own kids? Ask yourself, is this the type of person I want my kids to look up to?
– Daryhana D
Keeping our communities safe is most important, and to do that, we must fund police. The conversation about stripping down funding for the people who protect us doesn’t make sense to me.
– Dennis R
I want them to think about how prisoners are human beings. And they deserve a second chance.
– Imran V
I’d like people to remember that people in prison are still people. When casting your vote, remember that who you choose represents your values. If the candidate you choose doesn’t want to treat people well wherever or whoever they are, then that is your choice. Furthermore, I want voters to remember their own troubles and how they relate to prisoners, not how different we are.
– Jon K
Do these candidates bring all people together, or do they just play to their base?
– Joseph M
That the issues facing the poor and working class are the same, regardless of race, political affiliation, or what part of the country you happen to live in.
– Kevin L
Which candidate will help the poorest people? Not always talking on helping the middle-class but help some people get to the middle-class.
– Kimberly W
You’re voting for people who can’t: children and prisoners. Ask if this person you are voting for is [the] best choice for everyone? How do they understand your struggles?
– Marissa P
That whoever they’re voting for, ask yourself, Are they going to follow through on campaign promises?
– Mary S
How can we fix the homeless crisis plaguing our communities?
– Michael L
In order to have social progress, healing, and growth, we must have safety and economic security in order to achieve them.
– Raymond W
That people are suffering! That people’s humanity is being snuffed out, destroyed and NOT embraced or spotlighted! Remember the forgotten and outcast!
– Redhawk M
Remember poor people who are struggling to support their family especially with inflation right now. The cost of groceries is ridiculous.
– Samantha W
That Donald Trump is a Christian man.
– Shawandassee B