Mississippi is 1 of only 4 states that imposes a lifetime voting ban on people with past felony convictions. We filed a lawsuit against the state earlier this year & testified at a legislative hearing in Jackson this morning. splcenter.org/news/2018/03/2… 
There’s a chance Mississippi legislators could pass legislation to restore voting rights to people with past felony convictions in 2019.
“Mississippi’s disenfranchisement statute is an extension of slavery and suppression of human rights.” — SPLC’s Jody Owens
Three of the plaintiffs in our lawsuit spoke during the hearing.
Plaintiff Dennis Hopkins & his late brother were convicted over 20 years ago of grand larceny. He told the committee he was young & immature when he committed the crime. Now, he owns a business & coaches sports. He & his wife are raising 8 foster & adoptive children.
Dennis Hopkins: “We were so devastated when we got out & found we couldn’t vote...I wanted to make an impact in my children’s life.”
Plaintiff Herman Parker lost his right to vote when he was convicted of grand larceny in 1993. He completed his sentence 14 years ago & convinced a representative to sponsor a suffrage bill. It passed the House but failed the Senate. Herman is still unable to vote.
Herman Parker: “If you would, I would like my voting rights back. I would like to be a proper citizen.”
Wayne Kuhn was convicted of grand larceny nearly 30 years ago. His daughter is interested in politics. When he took her to a rally during the 2016 presidential campaign, he said he felt like an outsider because he wasn’t going to be allowed to vote.
Wayne still cannot vote — even though his record was expunged last December. Wayne Kuhn: “I no longer have a criminal record here in the state of Mississippi but I still cannot vote.”
Mississippians with past felony convictions have served their time & paid their debt to society. It’s only fair they get to live in a society where they’re voice is heard, their vote is counted.
Lawmakers could restore voting rights to tens of thousands of people & embark on a more just future for Mississippi. “Who a person has been doesn’t define who that person will be, and who a state has been does not define who that state will be.” — SPLC’s Paloma Wu
Mississippi’s deadline to register to vote for currently eligible residents is 30 days prior to Election Day on November 6.
