Our Work
DBBC Timeline
Summer 2020
Preparing for Voter Access during COVID-19
We first convened as "Election Protection Behind Bars" to organize around incarcerated ballot access for the fall 2020 elections. We included organizations and volunteers who had worked to end jail-based and felony disenfranchisement across the state.
Fall 2020
Organized Voter Access and Groundwork for Future Reform
Despite barriers, we:
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Succeeded in improving voter access behind the wall by urging the Secretary of Commonwealth to Issue guidance to elections officials on voting from jail for the first time in Massachusetts history.
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Secured know-your-rights posters and commitments from the Massachusetts Sheriffs Association and State Attorney General.
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Facilitated voting from jail in X locations, and carefully studied best-practices which we later used to draft jail-based voting legislation
2021-2022
Legislative Change
Throughout the 2021-22 legislative session, we drafted, campaigned on, and ultimately passed legislation that will realize voting access for Massachusetts' residents incarcerated in prison or jail on misdemeanor convictions or pre-trial.
Where We're Going
Implement and Improve Legislation
We will ensure that VOTES Act provisions to enable jail-based voting and re-entry voter registration are fully enforced. Identify and implement best practices to maximize voter registration among returning citizens.
End Felony Disenfranchisement
We will advance felony re-enfranchisement onto the ballot through legislative, advocacy, and grassroots support.
Access to the Political Process
Incarcerated individuals can take part in policymaking.