By Edmond Ortiz
The League of Women Voters of the San Antonio Area is starting to roll out an initiative to inform incarcerated and formerly incarcerated citizens of their voting rights.
What is happening
League officials said on Nov. 18 that the organization received a $5,000 grant from the Texas Bar Foundation to launch its Voting Rights Education for the Incarcerated program.
According to a news release, many formerly incarcerated people are unaware that their right to vote can be restored under the Texas Election Code.
Beginning in January, the League of Women Voters of the San Antonio Area will provide educational materials through parole officers and other organizations who work with formerly imprisoned individuals in Bexar County.
Part of the Texas Constitution prevents people with felony convictions from voting, but league officials said that law permits the Legislature to approve exceptions.
State lawmakers have adopted several exceptions in parts of the Texas Election Code to allow people with felony convictions to vote and to register to vote if they have “fully discharged their sentence.”
What they are saying
Jill Torbert, president of the league’s San Antonio chapter, said voting is a vital right and responsibility.
“For those who have been incarcerated, exercising that right can be a meaningful step back into their community,” Torbert said in a statement. “This project is in keeping with the League of Women Voters of San Antonio’s mission to empower voters.”
For more information, contact Alene Lindley at CommunityOutreach@lwvsa.org or 713-446-7911.
