On June 18th, 2026, WENY News published an article titled “Voting Rights Rallied for by Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus,” by Kara Jeffers.
“A newer priority, the caucus wants to mandate clear systems for prisoners to vote while in county institutions. Pennsylvania’s State Departments released guidance counties could follow in 2024. Speakers said eight out of 67 counties have implemented those rules, and that a state mandate would close access gaps.”
“A second prison reform bill codifies a state supreme court ruling from 26 years ago; justices said felons who leave prison can vote right away as opposed to waiting five years like a previous law required.”
“Voting advocacy group “New Pennsylvania Project” says codifying the ruling could give clarity to the legal precedent. Kadida Kenner, CEO of the organization, shared a story of being in Erie in 2024 and fighting misinformation that a formerly incarcerated man– Gustavo– had believed.”
“Gustavo said to us, ‘you know, I really wanted to vote in this election.. I’ve been told I can’t vote’,” Kenner said. “And we showed him the voter information guide, and we showed him from the department of state that he is eligible to be registered to vote– because he had been lied to for years.”