LOS ANGELES (KABC) — As a group of Los Angeles County inmates filed their ballots Thursday, there was a round of applause.

For some, it was the first time they voted.

“I feel like the future is in someone else’s hands, so we should have a say in it,” said one inmate.

Historically, eligible incarcerated voters could only cast their ballots through the Vote by Mail program, which officials said did not offer the security and experience of in-person voting.

“The voter has to rely, or at least to some extent, rely on getting that information and giving it to a corrections officer, whereas in the in-person voting experience they have that independence that we have all in active voting,” said LA County Clerk-Recorder/County Clerk Dean Logan.

In 2020, when LA County implemented its new voting model and system, they expanded voting access to include in-person voting in jails.

This year, the Clerk-Recorder/County Clerk, along with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, brought the in-person voting experience to all county jails for the first time.

inmates do they have the right to vote under certain conditions.

“They’re either impaired, or they’re in the institution for a misdemeanor, or they’re in custody for something other than a felony conviction,” Logan explained. “In California, the only time you are denied the right to vote is if you are incarcerated in a state or federal facility for a felony.”

The county recently received the 2024 Independence in Professional Practices Award for outstanding service and accessibility for in-person voting in the jail program.

Most of the inmates who voted Thursday are awaiting trial.

“They absolutely have the right to vote,” said Marcus Huntley of the LA County Public Defender’s office. “Because they’re incarcerated, they don’t have the ability to go to the polls. So it’s great to see the clerk’s office and the sheriff’s department bring them their votes.”

There has been an inmate voting program since 2012, and this year, the county was able to register more than 2,800 people.

“Not all of the people we have in custody would be able to use these centers, but if they are registered to vote, they will be able to vote,” said Paula Tokar, LASD Sheriff’s Assistant Custodial Operations. “We still allow mail in ballots.”

Another advantage is that there are 18 languages ​​available with the machines used. Those who spoke to Eyewitness News said it makes them feel they are not forgotten.

“It feels great, like my voice is being heard regardless of my situation,” said one inmate. “My voice is heard and I can do something today for tomorrow.”