LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Some formerly incarcerated people now have the right to vote, but some Americans don't know they have that right.
The "Free the Vote" campaign was launched in Kentucky to inform formerly incarcerated people about their right to vote. On Tuesday, the Formerly Incarcerated, Convicted People & Families Movement held a rally to share the importance of voting.
"Newly enfranchised Kentuckians have the real power in their hands to shape this state's future," said David Ayala, executive director of Formerly Incarcerated, Convicted People & Families Movement. "Every voice matters in democracy. And we strongly encourage everyone who has the opportunity to exercise their rights to vote."
The movement also announced the second phase of its campaign. It will target formerly incarcerated people in Kentucky and encourage them to vote through billboards, digital ads and campaign posters on TARC buses.
The organization plans to reach more than 145,000 voters by election day.
More than 4.6 million people are disenfranchised in the United States because of felony convictions, according to the Sentencing Project, which studies the issue and advocates for restoration of voting rights for former felons.
Laws vary by state, based on pardon requirements, payment of fines, fees and child support, and when a sentence (including probation and parole) is considered complete. The impacts fall disproportionately on people of color, especially Black citizens, who account for one-third of the total disenfranchised population while making up about 12% of the overall population.
Copyright 2023 WDRB Media. The Associated Press contributed to this report. All Rights Reserved.
