NAACP Resolution for the Automatic Restoration of voting, Civic Engagement, Education and Employment Rights for Ex-Offenders

WHEREAS, the NAACP is the largest and oldest civil rights organization and has advocated for voting rights for all citizens in our society; and

WHEREAS, 5.3 million Americans are presently disenfranchised due to a felony conviction; and

WHEREAS, approximate.ly 2 million ex-offenders who are barred from voting have completed their sentences; and

WHEREAS, 13 percent of African American men over the age of 18 are presently disenfranchised due to a felony conviction; and

WHEREAS, states are moving to restore the right to vote to people with a felony conviction; and

WHEREAS, restoring the right to vote strengthens our democracy by increasing voter participation and helps to integrate ex-offenders back into society.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the NAACP reaffirms its support for reform policies and practices that promote the automatic enfranchisement of ex­ offenders who have completed all of the terms and conditions of their sentences including voting, education, housing rights, professional licensure, jury and civic engagement participation; and

BE IT FlNALLY RESOLVED, that the NAACP will partner with organizations and individuals to promote a far-reaching effort that is focused on restoring ex-offenders' voting rights.