In a rare opportunity for political expression, residents of San Quentin prison participated in a mock election that shed light on their views regarding prison labor, wages, and the upcoming presidential race. San Quentin, a historic facility located in the San Francisco Bay Area, hosted this event to give its incarcerated population a voice in a system that often excludes them from the democratic process.
Last week, amid activities like jogging and playing pickleball, inmates were encouraged to cast their votes. The initiative was organized by Juan Moreno Haines, a journalist serving time at San Quentin, in partnership with Mount Tamalpais College (MTC), which offers educational programs within the prison.
Michael Scott, a 45-year-old inmate due for release next year, emphasized the importance of participation, stating, “It’s important for me to have a voice, especially if it’s being heard on the outside.”
Currently, more than 4 million Americans with felony convictions, including over 90,000 in California, are barred from voting. The United States is notable for its high incarceration rates and restrictive voting laws compared to other countries, where voting rights for individuals with criminal records are often more lenient.
For the mock election, MTC, which has become the first accredited college operating exclusively behind bars, involved incarcerated students in creating ballots that included various races and initiatives. Out of 3,247 residents, 341 participated, marking a turnout of 10.5%. Results showed Vice President Kamala Harris leading the presidential vote with 57.2%, followed by Donald Trump at 28.2%.
The election also featured California's Proposition 6, which aims to abolish forced prison labor. This measure garnered overwhelming support, with 77% of respondents in favor. Many inmates expressed concerns about being required to work for meager wages—often under $0.75 per hour—while the state profits from their labor.
Dante Jones, a 41-year-old inmate, voiced his frustration with the current system, stating, “We’ve got legalized plantations … They say they want us to be citizens, but then they don’t do anything that allows that to happen.” He expressed hope that passing Prop 6 would allow inmates to earn better wages to afford necessities from the prison commissary.
The perspectives on the presidential candidates were varied. While some like Scott supported Harris for her progressive agenda, others like Jaime Joseph Jaramillo preferred Trump for his tough stance on immigration and foreign policy. Nate Venegas also leaned toward Trump, citing a desire for prison reform, despite acknowledging his reservations about the former president's character and policies.
Some inmates used the opportunity to share personal reflections alongside their votes, expressing sentiments about the significance of democracy and their long-denied right to participate in elections.
The disenfranchisement of incarcerated individuals raises questions about the purpose of the criminal justice system. Amy Jamgochian from MTC remarked on the societal confusion surrounding incarceration, emphasizing that rehabilitation should include respecting the humanity of inmates, which encompasses granting them voting rights.
As California Governor Gavin Newsom rebrands San Quentin as a “rehabilitation center,” efforts like the mock election reflect a growing recognition of the importance of including incarcerated individuals in the democratic process. Venegas concluded, “People are starting to listen to us and care about having us as neighbors when we get out. Our voices really matter.”
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