LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — The 2020 election will give the opportunity to thousands of formerly incarcerated people in Nevada the right to vote.
Assembly Bill 431 became law in July of 2019, allowing any Nevadan convinced of a felony to register to vote and participate in elections.
ELECTION 2020 | Resources, important information for Nevadans
Jovan Jackson became the first former convicted felon to register to vote in the state after AB 431 was approved.
Jackson said he knew that after getting out of jail he had to take his life back. A way for him to do that was by regaining his right to vote.
"When people ask you oh, are you going to vote? You're like oh, no, I can't, so it makes you feel like less of a citizen,” he said.
Seeing the impact his registration to vote had more than motivated him to help others in the same situation and participate in several community events, he said.
"It was near the Fourth of July weekend when I registered," he recalled. "Everybody was celebrating Independence Day and this law passed, and I felt like I was celebrating my own independence."
"Even though I just got registered to vote, so many people looked at me like I was some type of hero, “ shared Jackson.
He is planning to vote soon and is really excited to participate in his first presidential election after being out of prison.
Jagada Chambers, the rights restoration coordinator for Silver State Voices, said that around 70,000 former prisoners are eligible to vote.
For some, this upcoming election will be the first time they cast their votes in their lives.
"With each person we register, I’m thrilled," expressed Chambers.
"I know that my personal database has impacted folks who have to register to vote and want to engage in this work as well, over 20 at this point," Chambers added.
For those who have not been able to register yet, they can still vote on Election Day, Nov. 3.
"[Your only limitation] is making sure you have a State of Nevada identification card," said Chambers. "You go to an appropriate poll, any poll that is open, and then participate in the same-day voting."
If you're a former convicted felon and want to vote on Nov. 3, call Nevada’s New Voting Block voter hotline at 1-877-431-1801. Someone can answer questions and help with the process.
