State legislators plan to introduce legislation to increase voter registration for people released from prison

HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania (WHTM) – Montgomery County Rep. Joe Webster plans to introduce legislation to help people out of prison go to the polls.

For Webster, the rise in voter registration for those leaving prison began with prison visits.

“At the time, I visited my district’s SCI Phoenix,” said Democratic Rep. Joe Webster.

He spoke to imprisoned men and women.

“They didn’t realize that when they were released after serving their term, many rights and privileges would come back to them, and voting is an important part of that,” said Webster.

By law, you must provide a registration form during the exit process. Former incarcerated citizens can complete or decline the form.

Webster said, “This simply adds one more form to the mix so that voters know they can vote on the spot and instantly and have the opportunity to register.

“By voting, they know what’s going on at the local level, local politicians, and the national level,” said John Hargreaves, director of volunteer services for the Pennsylvania Prisons Association.

Hargreaves says getting people involved in their communities and government can help keep them out of jail.

“About 60% of people are arrested within three years of being released from prison,” Hargreaves said. “We have to put it down.”

abc27 reached out to House Republicans but did not hear back.