A Syracuse organization is taking the right to vote to people in places that could be surprising. Some might think that people in the Syracuse Justice Center jail don’t have the right to vote. Well, they do.
The League of Women Voters is taking the right to register right to the people inside the jail.
Voter services leader Joan Durant says most people in the Justice Center are not convicted of crimes yet. While their case is pending, they have the right to register and to vote, as does someone who has been convicted of a misdemeanor offense. Only those in prison for felonies can’t vote.
Durant and Syracuse University student Lindsey Parker recently met with people inside the jail, explaining their rights, and signing up those interested. They said many people the met with are interested, though sometimes have a difficult time finding information about candidates because of a lack of access to the internet.
League staff and volunteers also attend naturalization ceremonies where they share the importance of voter participation, then help new Americans register to vote.
The group is looking for volunteers to help with these and other voter participation events – emphasizing the importance of upcoming local elections.
