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California Honors 60th Anniversary of Voting Rights Act, Showcasing State’s Efforts to Expand Access

September 4, 2025

California's 2020 Proposition 17 restored voting rights to approximately 50,000 people on state parole for felony convictions, a significant change from previous law that prohibited voting until completion of both prison and parole terms. Adam Cain, who served a 14-year prison sentence, was actively involved in advocating for this voting rights restoration while incarcerated, organizing fellow inmates and educating their families. Cain shared his experience during California's 60th Anniversary celebration of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, hosted by Secretary of State Shirley N.

Who is affected

  • People on state parole for felony convictions in California (approximately 50,000 individuals)
  • Formerly incarcerated individuals
  • African American, Latino, and Asian American men (who constitute three of every four men exiting California prisons)
  • Black Americans (who are four times more likely to experience felony disenfranchisement than White Americans)

What action is being taken

  • Secretary of State Shirley N. Weber is hosting commemorations of the Voting Rights Act of 1965
  • The California State Archives is displaying "The Journey to Democracy" exhibit featuring authentic documents and photographs related to voting rights
  • Adam Cain is working as a Program Coordinator for Initiate Justice to organize and educate formerly incarcerated people about advocacy for systemic change
  • California is implementing expanded voting rights, including vote-by-mail and allowing people on probation or parole to vote

Why it matters

  • The restoration of voting rights through Prop 17 enables approximately 50,000 parolees to participate in democracy
  • The initiative addresses racial disparities in disenfranchisement, particularly affecting communities of color
  • Expanding voting rights continues the legacy of the 1965 Voting Rights Act, which aimed to eliminate barriers to voting
  • California's actions contrast with voting restrictions that still exist in other states
  • The changes connect voting rights to political outcomes and representation

What's next

  • No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint