ANNUAL REPORT 2020

for the safe release of vulnerable people and the reduction of correction populations writ The Sentencing Project met the challenges large. [...] ing age is disenfranchised, and that rates of dis- The measure marked the first successful leg- enfranchisement are highest in southern states islative effort in the country to restore voting where Jim Crow-era laws limiting the political rights to people in prison. [...] We are committed to protecting our democracy, The Sentencing Project was pleased to help re- spreading this success across the country, and alize a historic legislative victory in the nation’s ensuring that the criminal legal system is never Capital in 2020 to push back against this racist used to undermine the political voice and power legacy. [...] At the federal level our risdictions nationwide can use to lessen the intensive advocacy with partners of the Jus- impact of the pandemic on vulnerable youth, tice Roundtable coalition led to incorporation with a prioritization on releases, in our Sep- of key protections for incarcerated people in tember report, Youth Justice Under the Coro- the House-passed HEROES Act in May. [...] navirus: Linking Public Health Protections 8 || THE SENTENCIING PROJECT As the pandemic still rages in carceral settings nationwide, The Sentencing Project continues to push for decarceration and vaccinations to save lives and help bring safety and humanity to the nation’s overcrowded, inhumane, and unsafe places of detention.