The Sentencing Project

List of stats from Maine and Vermont incarcerated voters: 73% of incarcerated individuals surveyed said voting is important to them 49% of respondents said they did not know how to vote at their facility 55% could not access information about candidates running for office.

Maine & Vermont are the only states that allow people in prison to vote but incarcerated voters in those states still face confusing absentee voting processes, and lack access to candidate information and key election dates.

The right to vote means nothing without real access! bit.ly/4nPzHf1

Maryland’s Second Look Act offers a path to justice—giving people the chance to petition for sentence review after decades behind bars.

Your voice matters. Learn how you can support second chances and the movement for fairer sentencing: bit.ly/3L9ZnnJ

Three individuals seated participating in a discussion, with laptops and phones in front of them, under the banner #YJAM2025 United for Action and atop a banner that says United and Building a Better Future. Logos of National Youth Justice Network and Coalition for Juvenile Justice are visible.

As #YJAM2025 comes to an end, this week reminds us of the power of being United and Building a Better Future. Transforming youth justice requires collaboration across communities, policymakers, and systems. Together, we can create a future rooted in equity, safety, and opportunity. #UnitedForAction

In 2024, four million Americans were banned from voting due to a felony conviction. We're committed to expanding voting rights in every state & working with state partners to provide specific data on state felony disenfranchisement. bit.ly/3kGns8t

Voting from Prison: Learning from Maine, Vermont, and Washington, DC Very few places in the United States allow incarcerated people completing a felony sentence to vote. Incarcerated people in Maine, Vermont, and Washington, DC retain their right to cast a ballot in elections. As a follow-up to The Sentencing Project’s r...

#ICYMI: A replay of our webinar on voting from prison is now available.

Hear what we've learned & continue to learn from formerly and currently incarcerated people, advocates and changemakers, and Department of Corrections staff about accessing democracy during incarceration. https://bit.ly/42TeVCv

Group of ten young people posing for a photo under text that says #YJAM2025 United for Action and text underneath that reads "United for Youth Leadership" with logos from the National Youth Justice Network and Coalition for Juvenile Justice, with the hashtag #YJAM2025 prominently displayed.

When youth lead, systems change. When youth are heard, communities heal. This #YJAM2025, we’re #UnitedForAction by centering youth voices.

The Legal Lens Podcast with Angela Reddock-Wright, Esq. featured The Sentencing Project's Kara Gotsch to speak about sentencing reform.

Our Executive Director Kara Gotsch joined The Legal Lens Show with Angela Reddock-Wright for a discussion on current challenges in sentencing and criminal justice reform.

Listen to the full podcast episode: bit.ly/4hqBbcP

Map of the U.S. highlighting states with Second Look sentencing laws, titled 'Growing Push for Sentencing Reviews Sweeps the U.S.', produced by The Sentencing Project.

As federal efforts threaten justice reform, states are stepping up.

Our updated Second Look Movement report shows how second look laws are transforming lives—giving courts the power to revisit harsh sentences and recognize rehabilitation: bit.ly/3wzLEjk

Join The Sentencing Project for a webinar on "Voting from Prison: Lessons from Maine, Vermont, and DC" on October 23, 1PM ET. Announcement also features a man voting in a correctional facility.

OCT 23 @ 1PM ET: Join us for a virtual discussion on what we have learned and continue to learn from formerly and currently incarcerated people, advocates and changemakers, and Department of Corrections staff about accessing democracy during incarceration.

sentproj.org/voting-from-prison-webinar

Communities thrive when we invest in people, not prisons. This week we are united for community investments - championing support for youth, schools, and families. #YJAM2025 #UnitedforCommunityInvestments

List of stats from Maine and Vermont incarcerated voters: 73% of incarcerated individuals surveyed said voting is important to them 49% of respondents said they did not know how to vote at their facility 55% could not access information about candidates running for office.

Maine & Vermont are the only states that allow people in prison to vote but incarcerated voters in those states still face confusing absentee voting processes, and lack access to candidate information and key election dates.

The right to vote means nothing without real access! bit.ly/473A9Pc

Join The Sentencing Project for a webinar on "Voting from Prison: Lessons from Maine, Vermont, and DC" on October 23, 1PM ET. Announcement also features a man voting in a correctional facility.

OCT 23 @ 1PM ET: Join us for a virtual discussion on what we have learned and continue to learn from formerly and currently incarcerated people, advocates and changemakers, and Department of Corrections staff about accessing democracy during incarceration.

sentproj.org/voting-from-prison-webinar

This #YJAM2025, let’s stay #UnitedForCommunityInvestments and push for reauthorization of the JJDPA to ensure youth, families, and communities continue to receive the support they need. Stronger communities mean safer communities. #JJDPAMatters

It’s time our laws reflected what we know: young people serving long sentences grow up and deserve a second chance — not a lifetime behind bars.

Learn how you can support second chances and the movement for fairer sentencing: bit.ly/4nwZzvv

Republican bill targets migrants who re-enter US illegally with mandatory 10-year sentences Critics of new GOP act say it is a ‘mass incarceration bill’ that forces harsh penalties on migrants for a non-violent offense

“Even if this bill doesn't progress in the Senate, it’s part of a broader trend of normalizing mandatory minimums – particularly in the context of immigration. Even a more modest bill could have dramatic impacts that BOP doesn't have the capacity to handle & which will not benefit public safety.”

Calling all Maryland libraries and bookstores 📣 It's Youth Justice Action Month! Help us spread the word this October. Find the YJAM reading list at bit.ly/YJAMReading.

Share this post with your favorite local library or bookstore!
#YJAM2025 #UnitedForAction #UnitedForUnderstanding

Over-Federalization: Federal Intrusion Into State Criminal Law – The Sentencing Project The expanding encroachment of federal criminal law on traditionally local offenses threatens justice, equity, and local democracy.

In our new report, we discuss how overbroad federal laws allow federal authorities to prosecute offenses normally left to local prosecutors, including street crimes and even minor offenses. This over-federalization threatens democracy and increases incarceration.

Image of teens playing basketball at an outdoor court with text that reads "October is Youth Justice Action Month" and a red button that calls for people to get involved

This October, we come together for #YJAM2025 under the theme United for Action – A Call for Unity!

We’re excited to highlight ways you can get involved thanks to our friends at National Youth Justice Network and Coalition for Juvenile Justice.

Here’s how you can take action: bit.ly/3IOZQLi

YouTube video by thesentencingproject From Punishment to Prevention: A Better Approach to Addressing Youth Gun Possession

#ICYMI: Our virtual discussion highlighting the importance of improving justice system responses to youth gun possession is now available to watch online.

Cover image of The Sentencing Project's Annual Report for 2024, featuring a photo of The Sentencing Project's Antonio Gutierrez at the Civic Power Convening.

Our 2024 Annual Report highlights the impact our supporters helped create and the foundation it provides for the work ahead.

Read more in our annual report: sentencingproject.org/about/annualreportsfinances/

The Sentencing Project's Senior Director of Advocacy will join the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation's Annual Legislative Conference as a panelist for a session titled "Creating Wealth and Work in Local Communities" on Friday, September 26th at 10:00 am ET. She will join Dedrick Asante-Muhammad of the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies; Marshawn Wiley of Black Onyx Management; Nikitra Bailey of the National Fair Housing Alliance; Victoria Kirby York of the National Black Justice Collective; and Cynthia Roseberry of the ACLU.

Attending CBCF's #ALC54 this year? Hear from our Senior Director of Advocacy Nicole D. Porter on the "Creating Wealth and Work in Local Communities" panel on Sept. 26 @ 10AM ET.

The Sentencing Project Condemns House Passage of Bills Threatening D.C.’s Autonomy and Youth – The Sentencing Project

The Sentencing Project Condemns House Passage of Bills Threatening D.C.’s Autonomy and Youth.

Yesterday, U.S. House of Representatives passed a set of bills that rolls back progress and poses a serious threat to the District of Columbia, endangering our communities and targeting youth.

Image of kids and teens at an outdoor basketball court/park with a call to action that urges Congress to Protect Kids!

TAKE ACTION: Congress is about to vote on dangerous legislation that would roll back hard-won reforms, harm youth, deepen racial disparities, and undermine democracy in the District.

Urge your lawmakers to protect kids: secure.sentencingproject.org/a/take-action-protect-dc-kids

We'll be joining local advocates at today's mark up session. You can watch the mark up session here: oversight.house.gov/markup/full-committee-business-meeting-81/

Letter to House Oversight Committee Opposing DC Crime Bills – The Sentencing Project

Lawmakers must reject these bills to stand up for our democracy and safety!

Read our full statement:

The proposed bills would imprison more people, including children, for longer periods of time and repeal laws proven to reduce recidivism. Federal overreach in DC is part of a broader trend that threatens cities across the country.

Today, the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform is reviewing and voting on bills that would undo decades of evidence-based criminal justice reforms in Washington, D.C. and trample on Home Rule. DC deserves real safety solutions, not mass incarceration!

Letter to House Oversight Committee Opposing DC Crime Bills – The Sentencing Project

The Sentencing Project urges members of the House Oversight Committee to oppose bills that disregard evidence-based criminal legal reforms and other attacks on District home rule.

Judge denies April Wilkens’ request for resentencing under Oklahoma Survivors' Act April Wilkens will remain in prison after Tulsa County District Judge David Guten on Thursday denied her request to be resentenced under the Oklahoma Survivors' Act.

April Wilkens is an outspoken advocate for survivors of domestic violence and her personal experiences were integral to the passage of the Oklahoma Survivors' Justice Act.

Yet, her request to be resentenced under the Oklahoma Survivors' Act was denied.

#SurvivorsDeserveRealJustice!

From Punishment to Prevention: A Better Approach to Addressing Youth Gun Possession – The Sentencing Project Justice system responses to youth gun possession have grown more punitive and ignore proven solutions that improve community safety.

Justice system responses to youth referred to court on weapons charges have grown increasingly punitive, with fewer youth diverted from prosecution and more youth placed in locked detention. Proven solutions exist that better support youth and improve community safety.