Free. Live-streamed on Facebook and via Zoom webinar.

Most incarcerated Americans are barred from voting. Our guests will discuss how voting works for the small number of incarcerated citizens who have the right, and what’s being done to expand the franchise to more incarcerated Americans. We’ll also hear from currently incarcerated people about how they would vote in the upcoming election, if they were able.

Jaime M. Hawk is Legal Strategy Director for the American Civil Liberties Union of Washington’s Campaign for Smart Justice where she leads on a range of issues to reform the state's criminal legal system, including voting rights restoration for those disenfranchised due to a felony conviction.

Chris Barton is the Restorative Justice Administrator for the Vermont Department of Corrections. In that role, he also oversees voting for those incarcerated in the Vermont correctional facilities. For over 22 years, Chris has worked for the VTDOC, and for the last 20 years has helped to facilitate voter drives to inform incarcerated Vermont residents of their right to vote and their process to vote. 

This event is part of Eastern State's ongoing Searchlight Series of events addressing issues in contemporary corrections. The Searchlight Series discussions take place the first Tuesday of every month, free and open to the public. No reservations required. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, this discussion will take place virtually.