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Group works to ensure everyone can exercise their right to vote

Posted at 1:19 AM, Jul 01, 2020
and last updated 2021-10-01 10:37:05-04

INDIANAPOLIS — Protests for racial justice and police reform have been front and center over the last several weeks calling for change.

Joyce David with Project Lia said the protests can only go so far.

"How long are we going to protest?" David said. "You have to change the system from within the system."

David said the way to change the system is to vote.

"The people who really have the power to better our lives, to change the justice system it's all in the power to vote," David said.

LEARN MORE | Project Lia

But people who have spent time in the justice system may not realize they still have the right to vote here in Indiana.

"I was incarcerated for five and a half years," David said. "During that time, no individual ever came in and said your voting rights can be reestablished upon release from prison."

Through her work with Project Lia, David wants to pass along in Indiana you have the right to vote even if you've been locked up.

The ACLU of Indiana is also fighting against low voter turnout with their Yes! You Can Vote! campaign, reaching out to people who have been incarcerated.

For David, seeing people talk about the issue brings her hope — hope that more people who have been impacted by the justice system will feel comfortable asking questions when it comes time for them to exercise their right to vote.

"I know it sounds corny and cliche, but knowledge is power," David said.