On September 10, 2024 VAAC launched a series of short, ground-breaking videos in which people impacted by the criminal legal system tell their personal stories about why they vote.

Our call to action for you is to share these videos far and wide:

• On your social media, from both your personal and advocacy accounts
• In conversation with your friends, family, neighbors, and colleagues.
• Via email with your networks & any media contacts you have.

All videos in the series can be found and shared from this link. (Tag: Why I Vote)

Two of the videos are compilations of statements from three voters. There are also 6 videos featuring individual voters.

MICHIGAN – Voting Access for all Coalition (VAAC) launched a new video series to inspire voters to cast ballots to reform the criminal legal system in Michigan. The series of two compilation videos and seven shorter individual videos can be viewed at votingaccessforall.org and on social media via dozens of advocacy partner organizations.

“I was excited to participate in this project, to tell everyone why I am voting and to get others excited about voting. I want to inspire people to use their power,” said E.B. Jordan, a VAAC member who appears in one of the newly released videos. “I spoke about voting to support candidates who know that housing is a critical need once people are released from incarceration. But there are many reasons for us to use our power to protect and improve our lives and communities.” 

“The videos launched today present those with first-hand experience of what voting means to people impacted by the criminal legal system and let voters know they have the power to make changes that affect people’s lives when it comes to the legal system,” said Angela Davenport of Voting Access for All Coalition. “We’re working to move and inspire people to use the power of their vote to make change.”

VAAC’s central message is, “Yes, you can vote, even if you have a felony, are on probation, or are awaiting arraignment, trial, or sentencing, regardless of your incarceration status.” But that’s only the first step in getting people to cast their ballots.

“These videos give people a reason to use their voting power,” said Margaret Schankler of the Voting Access for All Coalition. “They speak directly to issues of housing, fair and just sentencing and health care. These are the things people need during and after incarceration to help reunite and heal their families in the best way possible.”

Voting Access for All Coalition was created in 2020 by Michigan activists in the criminal legal reform space who recognized the need to educate returning citizens on their voting rights and empower them to use their vote to make change. Coalition partners include Nation Outside, Progress Michigan, MI-CEMI, MichiganVoting.org and many others.