The Sentencing Project: Disenfranchisement News 2/27/09

National: Christian, Policy Leaders Unite to End Poverty, Disenfranchisement A coalition of Christian leaders and policy experts met this month in an effort to develop policy suggestions to the Obama administration on issues that contribute to poverty, the Washington Post reported. One of the issues documented included restoring voting rights to citizens charged with felony offenses. Representatives of the group were scheduled to present their proposals to the Obama administration last week. The group was founded by progressive evangelical leader Jim Wallis and a former speechwriter for then-President George W. Bush and current Washington Post columnist, Michael Gerson. Minnesota: Formerly Incarcerated Resident Sent to Jail for Voting A 25-year-old formerly incarcerated citizen in Minnesota was sentenced to 30 days in jail for casting a ballot in the November election, the Associated Press reported. Eric Stephen Willems plead guilty to a gross misdemeanor of illegal voting and his original one-year sentence was stayed. He must also serve three years probation after his release. He stated that he must have forgotten being told when he was released from prison that he couldn't vote. In Minnesota, individuals are banned from voting until their sentence, including probation and parole, has been completed. - - - - - - Help The Sentencing Project continue to bring you news and updates on disenfranchisement! Make a contribution today. Contact Information -- e-mail: [email protected], web: http://www.sentencingproject.org.