September 23, 2016

CLEVELAND—The ACLU of Ohio is holding a tele-town hall meeting about voting rights for Ohioans with criminal convictions on National Voters Registration Day, Tuesday, September 27, 2016 from 7pm-8pm. Listeners will learn how someone can vote if they are awaiting trial or have a felony or misdemeanor conviction.

“There’s a common misconception that a felony conviction prevents someone from voting. We’re holding a tele-town hall meeting to let voters know that their criminal history does not automatically stop them from going to the polls,” said Mike Brickner, senior policy director for the ACLU of Ohio. “Ohioans with a criminal history already face significant hurdles in employment, education and housing, but voting is one thing that should not be a barrier for every individual’s equal participation in our democracy.”

The town hall will be moderated by media personality and activist Basheer Jones and will include panelists Crystal Bryant, partner and co-director for Cleveland VOTES, and Katrice Williams, policy associate for the ACLU of Ohio. Callers can participate in the Tele-Town hall by dialing (855) 756-7520, extension 33062. Dialing in will allow listeners to hear the entire event, ask questions and respond to poll questions.

“Too many people never register to vote because of a past criminal conviction,” Brickner added. “We want to be sure they know they have the right to vote and they will be able to cast their ballot in this year’s election.”

See the ACLU of Ohio’s Vote Center for more information on voting and registration deadlines, early voting and how to cast a ballot in 2016.

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