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    What incarcerated people want voters to remember

    Online Niel Posted on

    Most people in prison can’t vote. That’s what they want you to think about when you vote.

    When election officials start counting the votes tomorrow night, there won’t be many ballots from incarcerated people in total. But while most incarcerated people can’t vote, our survey results published last week show that they still want candidates to listen to their concerns.

    The Appeal partnered with two incarcerated journalists, Kwaneta Harris and Christopher Blackwell, to study a small sample of the primary election issues of their fellow inmates at the Lane Murray Unit, Texas, and the Washington Correctional Center, Washington State. Our the first installment focused on what incarcerated citizens want candidates to know. Today we’re publishing the remaining survey responses that answer the question, “What do you hope non-prison voters remember or care about when they vote?”

    Their responses reflect the diverse and comprehensive perspectives of the incarcerated individuals who completed our survey. Politics can be just as polarizing a topic in prison as it is outside. “We are not a monolith. We are not a single-issue voting bloc,” Harris said.

    Please read part 1 of this survey here: What incarcerated people want candidates to know

    graphical view

    However, all respondents had messages for voters to consider on Election Day. Unable to vote themselves, they still want to make their voices heard at the polls.

    “Just like people in society, incarcerated people have a desire to participate in our elections. We have thoughts and opinions that are debated internally as we envision a society where our communities are safe, taxes are fair, resources are provided, and a justice system that heals rather than causes further harm,” said Blackwell.

    What would you like voters outside of prison to remember or care about when they cast their ballots?

    I want them to think about them how will this person represent our country and what other nations will think of us. Do they see us as leaders?

    – Amber M

    I really wish people would take into account the “communities” that are left with the least resources and consider candidates who not only understand “their” problems but are also open to possible solutions that would help eradicating those problems that have existed for decades.

    – Antoine D

    Don’t just vote to get a sticker. But it achieves the effects who you put in office will affect future generations.

    – Chacey P

    Prices to feed your family.

    – Christa M

    Voting registers of the holders. Hold them accountable for wrongdoing– faith negotiations on issues.

    – Christopher S

    Remember that voting not only affects you, but also others. Think which is good for everyone as a whole.

    Who is best for the future of all children, not just their own? ask yourself this is the type of person I want my children to look up to?

    – Daryhana D

    Keeping our communities safe is paramount, and in order to do that, we must fund the police. Talk of cutting funding to the people who protect us makes no sense to me.

    – Dennis R

    I want to think how prisoners are human beings. And he deserves a second chance.

    – Imran V

    I wish people would remember that people in prison are still people. When you vote, remember that who you choose represents your values. If the candidate you choose doesn’t want to treat people well wherever or whoever they are, then that’s your choice. Furthermore, I want voters to remember their own issues and how they relate to prisoners, not how different we are.

    – Jon K

    These candidates bring together all the people, or just play at their base?

    – Joseph M

    That the problems facing the poor and the working class are the sameregardless of race, political affiliation or what part of the country you live in.

    – Kevin L

    Which candidate will help the poorest people? I’m not always talking about helping the middle class, but it does help some people get to the middle class.

    – Kimberly W

    Vote for those who can’t: children and prisoners. Ask if this person you’re voting for is (the) best choice for everyone? How do they understand your struggles?

    – Marissa P

    That who is voting for, ask yourself, Will they keep their campaign promises?

    – Maria S

    How can we fix it the homeless crisis that affect our communities?

    – Michael L

    To have social progress, healing and growth, we must have safety and economic security to achieve them.

    – Raymond W

    That people suffer! That people’s humanity is extinguished, destroyed and NOT embraced or highlighted! Remember the forgotten and the outcast!

    – Redhawk M

    Remember poor people who are struggling to support their family especially with inflation right now. The cost of food is ridiculous.

    – Samantha W

    That Donald Trump is a Christian man.

    – Shawandassee B

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