Briefing and Panel Discussion on the Democracy Restoration Act
On Wednesday, April 25, 2012, the Brennan Center, along with the office of Senator Benjamin Cardin, will co-host a briefing and panel discussion on the Democracy Restoration Act.
Introduced by Senator Benjamin Cardin and Representative John Conyers, the Democracy Restoration Act would restore voting rights to the 4 million Americans who have been released from prison and are back living in their communities. It would ensure that people on probation never lose their right to vote in federal elections. In addition, individuals leaving prison, sentenced to probation, or convicted of misdemeanors would be notified of their right to vote in federal elections.
The DRA enjoys widespread support nationwide from civil rights, religious and law enforcement groups. Voices in support of the DRA include the American Bar Association, the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights, the Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, and leading law enforcement organizations like the American Probation and Parole Association and the American Correctional Association.
When: Wednesday, April 25, 2012, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Where: U.S. Capitol Visitor’s Center, Room SVC 215
Featured Speaker:
Senator Benjamin L. Cardin
Moderator:
Nicole Austin-Hillery, Director and Counsel, Brennan Center for Justice, Washington Office
Panelists:
Desmond Meade, President, Florida Rights Restoration Coalition
Deborah J. Vagins, Senior Legislative Counsel, ACLU Washington Legislative Office
Dave Louden, Assistant to the President, Justice Fellowship (Prison Fellowship Ministries)
Carl Wicklund, Executive Director, American Probation & Parole Association
The briefing is upon to the public. To RSVP, please contact Andy Remo at Senator Cardin’s office at (202) 224-4524
