Voting Rights Update

As the 2011 Legislative Session is heating up, so is our campaign to pass HB 70 – a bill that would restore voting rights to most former felons after they’ve served their debt to society. 

We’ve managed to pass the legislation through the House each year for many years, with strong bi-partisan support.  But HB 70 has stopped in the Senate each year when Senate leaders like Senator Damon Thayer and Senator David Williams refuse to allow the bill to come up for discussion or a vote. 

Our major short-term goal is to talk to all of the new legislators about this issue and to build on our already broad support in both the Senate and the House and then put pressure on Senate leaders to allow the bill to be heard.

KFTC will have members in Frankfort throughout February every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday talking to legislators about this and other issues.  Our major lobby day and rally is on Feb 24th and we’re hoping to bring out about 300 people then.

Voting Rights Lobby Day in Frankfort – Feb 24th

Meet in Capital Annex room 125 for rotating lobby training from 8am to 10am.

come to the cafeteria downstairs if you need a lobbying orientation after that)

Big rally in the Capital Rotunda from 1pm to 2pm.

But if you can’t make it out to Frankfort, we’re also planning video showings, community tables, speakers, and other events to raise awareness of this issue.  Be in contact with your local organizer to learn more!

You can also contact your legislators through email or the legislative message line, or write letters to the editor. 

The Legislative Message Line is quick and easy to use.  In just two minutes, you can leave a message for a dozen key legislators and really make an impact.

Call 1-800-372-7181, and ask to leave a message for "House and Senate Leadership, Senate State and Local Government," and your own Representative and Senator.

The line is open until 11pm most days.

Message: "Please vote yes on House Bill 70."