Republicans are working hard to restrict voting rights ahead of the 2022 midterms. In 2021 alone, 440 bills across 49 states sought to restrict voting rights.
From public housing to grant programs to welfare assistance, having a felony record can prevent you from accessing government support programs. For people reentering society, these obstacles only exacerbate other difficulties in life after prison.
Without significant reform, formerly incarcerated people will continue to have a high risk for recidivism. Now, some states are focusing their justice reform efforts on expunging records and eliminating barriers for those with criminal records.