Two Kentucky groups working to let people convicted of non-violent crimes who’ve served their sentences know they can vote will see the fruits of their labor on Election Day, November 7th. Kenneth Williamson is a community organizer for the Kentucky Democracy Project. He said after Governor Beshear signed an executive order on his third day in office, his group and Kentuckians For The Commonwealth set out to let people know about it.
“Our job is more like a seek and find mission. We need to seek those people out. And make them aware that they have the right back to vote because a lot of folks don't know.”
Williamson said the two groups have informed more than 10-thousand Kentuckians that they can vote again. He said studies show being able to vote again helps keep people from committing new crimes.
“The recidivism rate is really, really low for folks that are able to vote. We kind of see a trend that those folks don't reoffend.”
Kentuckians For The Commonwealth has a voter guide with a wide range of information about this November’s races – including sign-ups for a ride to the polls.
** WEKU is working hard to be a leading source for public service, fact-based journalism. Monthly sustaining donors are the top source of funding for this growing nonprofit news organization. Please join others in your community who support WEKU by making your donation.
