LETTER FROM OUR CEO: “VOTING IS A FUNDAMENTAL RIGHT”

Dear Friends:

With the election just days away, it is important to realize that voter disenfranchisement is real. Those who have the right to vote should not take that right for granted.

According to the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), over 5 million Americans are not allowed to vote because of laws that prohibit people with felony convictions from voting. Despite a person’s desire to engage in the civic processes that the constitution guarantees, these individuals will not be able to cast their vote on November 5. As an organization that supports women and girls impacted by incarceration, Operation Restoration recognizes that voting is a right rather than a privilege. Therefore, we strongly encourage everyone to exercise their right to vote.

An example of the importance of everyone’s vote, the 2000 presidential election was dependent upon Florida, where President George W. Bush won by fewer than 600 votes in a state that cast 6 million. Just last year in Shreveport, newly elected Sheriff Henry Whitehorn won his first election by just one single vote and became the parish’s first black sheriff in its history.

Knowing and exercising your right to vote in November is just the beginning. Local and state elections can have an even greater impact on our communities, so beyond this election, we must value the power of our individual and collective votes.

Let's continue to work toward policy changes, canvassing in our neighborhoods and communities, host voter registration drives and educate the public on the civil and human rights of those with convictions.

For those who have never questioned their right to vote and believe that their “one vote” doesn't matter, please think again. Remember that your vote could be taken away just when it matters most.

In Solidarity,

Syrita Steib

Founder, President & CEO

Operation Restoration