If you’ve ever voted by mail, especially if you live in one of the eight states (plus DC) that conducts all-mail elections, then you probably know that for most people it’s a pretty convenient way to do democracy. The ballot arrives at your home, accompanied by detailed instructions you can read from the comfort of your couch or kitchen table. You can take your time making your choices: if you’re unfamiliar with a candidate, you can look up their website on your phone and read about their platform; if you’re not sure about a ballot measure, you can discuss it with your roommates or family members, or seek out as much information as you need to make a decision. Some states send along a nonpartisan voter guide to help you out. When your ballot is complete, you can simply drop it in the nearest mailbox, as long as you leave enough time for it to reach its destination. In some states, you don’t even need a stamp.
This all sounds pretty easy, but for some Americans, these conveniences are completely out of reach. On any given day in the United States, over half a million people are incarcerated in local jails, and most of them are eligible to vote. Jails mostly house people who are incarcerated pretrial, which does not affect voting rights, while those who have been convicted are overwhelmingly serving time for misdemeanors, which don’t result in a loss of voting rights except in a few states.
Despite retaining their rights, most incarcerated eligible voters don’t exercise them. A myriad of logistical obstacles stand in the way: from notoriously slow mail systems, which endanger voters’ ability to meet deadlines, to a lack of information about elections, candidates and issues due to restrictions on internet access. Even getting hold of a pen to fill out your ballot can be a challenge, let alone postage.
Spread the Vote established the Vote by Mail in Jail program to help incarcerated eligible voters overcome these obstacles. Every state has different laws, rules, and processes, so our work is not one-size-fits-all. We collaborate with the relevant local agencies, like Sheriffs and Clerk’s offices, to pinpoint the most significant barriers to voting and create a plan that actually works for each facility. That might mean working with outside volunteers to visit voters and assist with registration, working with Sheriffs to provide stamps and other materials, or empowering voters with information through our nonpartisan voter guides.
Since 2020, we’ve partnered with over 150 jails, and the results speak for themselves. In 2022, we achieved a 71.4% turnout rate among incarcerated voters registered through the program. In 2024, we assisted over 4,000 voters with registration and ballot requests, and 90% of voters who received their ballots returned them. These numbers, and the dedicated work of our partners, prove that barriers to participation can be overcome through collaboration and consistent outreach – and that access is achievable for every eligible voter.
This year, we’re seeking partners in Florida, Michigan, Texas, and Virginia. If you’re ready to help incarcerated eligible voters access the ballot in your community, get in touch with us here.
Vote by Mail in Jail is powered by Spread the Vote, a program of the National Civic League. To support this program and other nonpartisan voter outreach efforts, you can donate here.
