Lawmakers and law enforcement are working together to ensure eligible incarcerated people can make their voices heard this election season.
BOSTON (WWLP) – Lawmakers and law enforcement are working together to ensure eligible incarcerated people can make their voices heard this election season.
As part of the VOTES Act, which protects the right to vote for Massachusetts residents, state officials are making sure eligible incarcerated people have access to voting information, understand their privileges, and can exercise their right to vote.
Incarcerated people, including those awaiting trial or sentencing, are eligible to vote as long as they are U.S. citizens, Massachusetts residents, over age 18, and are not disqualified by law or currently incarcerated for a felony.
The Secretary of the Commonwealth is the election overseer for the state and leads the charge on this initiative. “We are all committed to ensuring that any person who is eligible to vote, and wants to vote, is able to do so,” said Secretary Bill Galvin.
The Hampden County Sheriff is also the president of the Massachusetts Sheriffs’ Association. “Empowering those in our care to participate in the electoral process is the right thing to do, and it reinforces the principle that every citizen has a role in shaping our communities and our future,” said Sheriff Nick Cocchi.
In most cases, incarcerated people’s voting residence is the last place they live.
Any eligible incarcerated person can request an absentee ballot before the October 29 deadline to make their voice heard in Massachusetts.
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