Voting Restoration Act and the 2023 Free the Vote Mural Events

The mural is painted on the underpass at Howard street (127 N. Howard).

By Naghmana Sherazi

To celebrate National Voter Registration Day on September 19th, the Voting Rights Restoration Coalition held a Free the Vote Mural Event at the American Indian Community Center. During this event, formerly incarcerated activist and artist, Jacob Johns, unveiled his inspiring mural. Washington Secretary of State, Steve Hobbs, also attended.

This event and others are to celebrate the passage of the Voting Rights Restoration Bill, which restored voting rights to about 26,000 people with past convictions across the state in 2022. Restoring the rights of people with past convictions is an important step towards justice for Black and Indigenous Washingtonians, low-income Washingtonians, and others who are impacted by the legal system. Having a voice and a stake in our community acknowledges our humanity and gives us the chance to create positive change for our communities in the future. 

This win was led by directly impacted people and took work from a diverse group of activists and allies across the state. 

Just for reference, and about the bill: 

  • Bill Number: HB 1078 

  • Bill Sponsor: Rep. Tarra Simmons (believed to be the first formerly incarcerated state legislator in the nation) 

  • What was the old law? 

  • Before the new law went into effect on Jan. 1, 2022, people with past felony convictions were not allowed to vote while on community supervision. Thousands of Washingtonians were living and working in our communities without the right to vote because of this, and some thought they would never vote again because they had a lifetime supervision sentence. There was also a chance that people could have their rights revoked by a court if they couldn’t pay their court debt (legal financial obligations).  

  • What’s the law now? 

  • HB 1078 automatically restores voting rights to citizens with past felony convictions immediately upon release from prison.  

  • Who is the Voting Rights Restoration Coalition? 

  • The Washington State Voting Rights Restoration Coalition is a community of people and organizations who are seeking justice for our families and neighbors impacted by our criminal justice system. We are a coalition that supports the restoration of voting rights to those formerly incarcerated in order to support their successful reintegration into our community. Our priorities align with our core values and thus we are committed to supporting legislation that aligns with our collective values of humanity, empowerment, racial equity, inclusion, and a free democracy. 

Questions to consider: 

  1. What does the freedom to vote mean to you? 

  2. What is your story? 

  3. What did it feel like to vote for the first time or have your right restored? 

  4. How has rights restoration positively affected you, your loved ones, or your community as a whole? 

  5. Why should formerly incarcerated people be excited and register to vote today? 

Call to Action: 

  1. Register to vote and get ready to vote in the November election. 

  2. Visit FreeTheVoteWA.org or the voter registration booth to register to vote 

  3. Spread the word. 

  4. FreeTheVoteWA.org has social media graphics, posters, and more. 

  5. Run for office in 2024! 

  6. Talk to your lawmakers/thank your lawmakers/get involved in advocacy, learn more about voting rights issues