The ACLU of Washington hosts a training on the new Voting Rights Restoration law. This training is for organizations that conduct voter registration drives and work with people who have exited the criminal justice system.
The event is Thursday, Sept. 24, 11 a.m. – noon at the ACLU of Washington,
705 2nd Avenue, 3rd Floor
The last day to register for the free training is Wednesday, Sept. 23.
Organizers say it will help you understand the new law and learn what legal resources are available. The Secretary of State will be on hand to provide step-by-step instructions on how to register new voters.
The training will cover:
• Background of disenfranchisement
• Voter registration eligibility
• Where to register
• How to register
You can also join us by teleconference, by calling 800-416-8128 and using passcode: 618391.
Passed by the 2009 Washington legislature, the new law restores the vote automatically to citizens who have come out of the criminal justice system. Prior to its enactment, tens of thousands of Washington citizens were prohibited from voting solely because they owed financial debts associated with their sentences.
This modern form of the poll tax resulted in an unfair and unworkable restoration system that left even election officials uncertain as to who was eligible and not eligible to vote. And such laws have been a significant way of preventing people of color from having a voice in the political process.
You must sign up to participate by Wednesday, Sept. 23 at 5 p.m. to [email protected].