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Calling on the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to adopt House Bill 1756 of the 2023-2024 Session, which would expand voting access and education in prisons.
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WHEREAS, Voting is a fundamental right; in Pennsylvania, individuals awaiting trial, those convicted of misdemeanors, and those on probation, parole, or house arrest are eligible to vote; and
WHEREAS, As many as 25,000 incarcerated individuals are unaware of their voting rights; and
WHEREAS, House Bill 1756 aims to educate incarcerated individuals about their voting rights and thereby combating "de facto disenfranchisement"; and
WHEREAS, House Bill 1756 will provide essential guidance on voter eligibility, registration procedures, absentee ballot information, and secure ballot submission and processing; and
WHEREAS, House Bill 1756 would direct the Department of State to establish a uniform policy for civic education within correctional facilities, including the provision of notifications regarding all federal, state, county, local, and primary elections and comprehensive information on voter registration, absentee and mail-in ballots, eligibility criteria; and
WHEREAS, House Bill 1756 would require each correctional facility to designate at least one staff member to assist inmates with the voting process; and
WHEREAS, Enabling incarcerated individuals to vote can inspire civic engagement among non-incarcerated citizens; and
WHEREAS, House Bill 1756 not only benefits incarcerated individuals but also supports those facing homelessness in fulfilling their civic responsibilities; and
WHEREAS, The passage of House Bill 1756 is crucial for upholding democratic values; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Hereby stands in support of House Bill 1756 and calls on the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to pass this vital legislation.
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