Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility Rabb heartened by progress on voting rights in jails, work remains to be done

Rabb heartened by progress on voting rights in jails, work remains to be done

Rep. Christopher M. Rabb    October 9, 2024 | 3:32 PM

HARRISBURG, Oct. 9 – State Rep. Chris Rabb, D-Phila., released the following statement on today’s voting rights in jails news conference held in the state Capitol East Wing Rotunda by the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus and statewide voting rights advocates:

“Progress in legislating is often measured over the course of months and years. In the moment, despite an immense amount of tireless work and long hours, very little seems to be happening. It’s only when, given the benefit of distance and perspective, change becomes apparent.

“But every now and then, there’s a bright and brilliant moment where something substantial and meaningful breaks free from the morass. Hard work is vindicated in an instant. Today was one of those days.

“I was so proud to stand with my colleagues and voting rights advocates from across the commonwealth and celebrate the Department of State’s first-ever official guidance on voting practices in jails.

“Voting rights and fixing our decrepit election system has been one of my top priorities for years. Back in 2022, I introduced legislation (H.B. 2718 and H.B. 2719) that would require jail officials to make Pennsylvanians being held pre-trial or who are incarcerated for a misdemeanor aware of their eligibility to vote. That legislation now lives on in the capable hands of Representatives Rick Krajewski and Aerion Abney.

“I look forward to seeing this through all the way to the governor’s desk. Today was a good day, but the work continues.”

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