Some people convicted of felonies can actually vote from prison in Texas — but they may not know it

“Many [people incarcerated in state prisons] in Texas, including people on death row, are eligible to vote — and may not even know it.

“Under a little-known section of state elections law, [people convicted of felonies] who are actively appealing their convictions can legally cast a ballot, even if they’re currently behind bars.

“There are 134,000 people incarcerated in state prisons, including 175 on death row. It’s unclear how many of them may be eligible to vote. State officials do not track this data.

“Surprised you didn’t know this? You’re not alone.

Nobody’s asking to do this because they have no idea that they can.

“The Texas Newsroom interviewed defense attorneys, criminal law experts, voting rights advocates and formerly incarcerated people. Most did not know it was even possible for someone in state prison to vote. No one knew of someone who’d voted under this provision.

“Jennifer Toon [Leading with Conviction™ 2024 participant, pictured above] is the project director at Lioness Justice Impacted Women’s Alliance, a nonprofit for current and formerly incarcerated women. She thinks [people incarcerated by the state] would definitely take advantage of their right to vote if it were more accessible.

“‘Nobody’s asking to do this because they have no idea that they can,’ she said.

“The deadline to be registered is Oct. 7. The last day to request a mail-in ballot is Oct. 25. Election Day is Nov. 5.

“A spokesperson with the Texas Secretary of State, which helps administer elections, warned every case is unique and said incarcerated people should check with a lawyer before trying to cast a ballot.”

Read more at KUT.org.