Skip to main content

To: Governor JB Pritzker

#UnlockCivics: Our Democracy Must Include People Impacted by the American Legal System

Chicago Votes
Felony disenfranchisement is a relic of the Jim Crow era. Today in Illinois, 55% of people in prison are Black despite Black people making up only 15% of the state’s overall population. Disenfranchising people in prison silences community members, without making anyone safer.

With over 80 organizations, the Unlock Civics Coaliton is advocating for the RACE ACT (SB1733) which would expand civics education in Illinois' prisons and restore voting rights to people in prison.

When people in prison cannot vote, influence policy, or hold elected officials accountable, things like inhumane prison conditions, problematic judges, and “tough-on-crime” policies persist more easily.

If passed, it would make Illinois the first state to restore voting rights to people in prison, joining Maine, Vermont, Washington D.C., and Puerto Rico as places in the U.S. that allow incarcerated citizens to vote.

Tell Illinois' elected leaders that it's time Illinois restore voting rights to community members in prison.


Why is this important?



The lives of people in prison are influenced by elected officials' policies, and those elected are held accountable by their constituents. Until people in prison are given the right to vote, making up the constituency, they are unable to hold elected officials accountable.
By supporting the Reintegration and Civic Empowerment Act, we can create a more inclusive democracy and promote positive change for individuals and communities across Illinois.


Chicago Votes’ #UnlockCivics legislative platform works at the intersection of organizing and advocacy to ensure that people affected by the American legal system have access to their civic rights and responsibilities. 

Take the pledge to support a more inclusive democracy by signing our #UnlockCivics petition!

Contact Chicago Votes:
Frederique Desrosiers
Policy Manager
[email protected]

Follow the work @ChicagoVotes #UnlockCivics

How it will be delivered

In Style

Partner

Links

Campaign Website

Updates

2026-03-17 16:47:11 -0400

Hi [Name],

You signed a petition with us, and we’re reaching out with a quick, urgent action to support democracy in Illinois.

The RACE Act (HB5414) will be heard tomorrow (March 18 at 3 PM), and we need supporters to file a witness slip in support.

A witness slip is a quick way to go on record with lawmakers—it takes about 2 minutes and you don’t have to testify.
Here's the link: https://bit.ly/3P9pHR6

How to do it:

Section 1 & 2: Fill in info, write “self” if individual

Section 3: Select HB5414 (Original Bill) + “Proponent” → click Add Position

Section 4: Select “Record of Appearance Only”

Submit

Every slip counts and shows strong public support.

Can you take 2 minutes to do this today?

2024-12-03 15:44:42 -0500

Hello Petition Signers!

We have an incredible opportunity to pass the groundbreaking legislation this January during the Lame Duck session that will restore voting rights to people incarcerated in Illinois prisons. If successful, Illinois would lead the nation in creating a more inclusive democracy.

Here’s how you can take action:

Join Us in Springfield: We’re heading to the state capitol to advocate for this historic bill. Your voice could make all the difference. Sign up here bit.ly/LDRACEACT to join us in Springfield and make your voice heard.

Email Your Lawmaker: If you can’t join us in person, you can still make an impact by emailing your lawmaker and urging them to support this critical legislation. To send an email now, go to bit.ly/RaceActEmail

This is our moment to push for change and ensure that everyone’s voice is heard. Let’s make history together!

Thank you for your continued support,

Freddie, Policy Manager @ Chicago Votes

2021-03-25 13:08:17 -0400

MoveOn Family! Join us Tonight!
Town Hall on Voting Rights Restoration for People in Prison

The fight to restore voting rights to people currently incarcerated in Illinois prisons gains momentum in the Illinois legislature, with a subject matter hearing on House Bill 1872. Chicago Votes to hold town hall on the path to voting rights restoration for people in Illinois prisons.

WHEN: Thursday, March 25th from 5-6pm CT
WHERE: Zoom - bit.ly/CVTownHall
WHO: Representative La Shawn Ford, Monica Cosby, a formerly incarcerated organizer and activist, Dr. Christina Rivers, professor of political science at DePaul University, Jauwan Hall, U.S. Army veteran, and Katrina Phidd, Chicago Votes’ communications and digital strategy manager.

2021-03-09 23:39:42 -0500

1,000 signatures reached

2020-11-12 14:39:07 -0500

500 signatures reached

2020-09-01 10:56:32 -0400

100 signatures reached

2020-07-25 10:22:48 -0400

50 signatures reached

2020-07-09 11:35:36 -0400

25 signatures reached

2020-06-30 20:46:59 -0400

10 signatures reached