47,000 Voices Heard

This week leaders from the Justice 4 All Program will be hosting a rally for the 47,000 Minnesotans being denied the vote by our Justice System. Jason Sole is a Professor at Metro State University and a respected trainer and advocate for Justice Reform. Jason has a compelling story to tell that you can read in his book “From Prison to PHD.”

Below are remarks Jason made in support of voting rights restoration. I invite you to read his story and come out and join us as we rally this week to make these 47,000 voices heard. 

 “I have only been able to vote once in my lifetime.

As a young black man in America, I got into trouble and tried to defend myself in the only ways I knew how. I felt there was nowhere for me to run for protection. I paid the price and took responsibility for my actions, but now, even though I’ve been on probation since 2006, I will not be able to vote until 2026.

Across the world, we are hearing people screaming that Black lives matter. But according to Minnesota, with respect to voting, Black and Native American lives don’t matter at all because we are the most disenfranchised. This marginalization affects 47,000 Minnesotans. In a land where a felony equals second-class citizenship, I have been fortunate enough to navigate through many systems and transcend much of my subjugation but I want what was granted to me 50 years ago, which is the right to vote.

I’m 36 years old. I’m a husband and a father of two beautiful girls who will subsequently be impacted by my inability to vote. I have been able to instill morals and values in them since birth but feel hypocritical when discussing the importance of voting. I want to be able to lead by example.

I’m a criminal justice educator, a Ph.D. Candidate, an author, a national speaker and trainer, and most importantly, I’m a taxpayer. I have been subject to taxation without representation for far too long.  Every November, I am reminded of the poor decisions I made when I was younger; and despite my hard work and many successes, I am not fully a part of my community. While I watch many rush to the polls and discuss the ways they hope to create change throughout the state, I must remain silent. I must remain voiceless. As millions proudly display their “I Voted” stickers, I must remain sticker less.  I’m tired of living vicariously through others on Election Day.

We are on the precipice of a new age. In 2015, we are witnessing a number of concerns focused on justice and equality; restoring the right to vote is one of those concerns. There are thirteen states that allow people who have committed crimes to vote while on probation, supervised release, or parole. Minnesota has the ability to join those thirteen states who see voting as a fundamental liberty, irrespective of criminal background. I want to thank the legislators who are supporting this change and now giving others a chance to right the wrongs of Minnesota. They are given a chance to stand on the right side of history. They are given a chance to create justice and equality for all. Now, I’m simply asking for a chance to cast a ballot.”

Join us this Thursday at 7:30pm for 47,000 Voices Heard: Rally at the Capitol for the Restoration of Voting Rights.