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The Violence of Felony Disenfranchisement
Soo Bin Ahn • Jun 24, 2020
“Low-level, nonviolent offenders” is a phrase used regularly in discussions regarding carceral state reform and criminal law jurisprudence. Both the left and right-wing ideologies invoke the narratives and experiences
of nonviolent offenders to advocate for reform initiatives such as the First Step Act, as well as efforts to address the root causes of crime and recidivism. The dichotomic language of “violent” versus “nonviolent” has the effect of painting a black-and-white picture; the former elicits images of weapons and endangerment of life, whereas the latter seems based in the wrong of moral miscalculations. However, such a conception of violent and nonviolent offenses are deceptive. At a time when we have the opportunity to broadly reimagine our justice system, unpacking this dichotomy is an integral step to addressing overarching issues of disproportionate sentencing and mass incarceration.
When used in the context of the legal system, the term “violent” simply does not comport with a basic understanding of the word. In fact, Mirriam-Webster’s first definition of violent is: “marked by the use of usually harmful or destructive physical force.” Yet a Marshall Project 50 state survey
examining what offenses are deemed as “violent” shows that oftentimes there is no physical force involved in these offenses, let alone “destructive” or “deadly” force. In more than twelve states, entering a dwelling that is not one’s own is often deemed as burglary, which is classified as a violent offense. In many states, the manufacture and theft of drugs is also deemed violent, as is purse-snatching. In Minnesota, cannabis possession is deemed as a violent offense, depending on the amount, and in North Carolina, “trafficking a stolen identity and selling drugs within 1,000 feet of a school or playground are both violent crimes.” Additionally, in New York, merely possessing a loaded gun illegally is classified as a violent felony.
Nearly half of the population in United States correctional facilities are serving time for a violent offense. The arbitrary nature of labeling a crime as such becomes shockingly apparent given the fact that the number of those imprisoned for violent offenses continued to grow
even after the violent crime rate dropped to half of the early-1990s rate.
Within the realm of sentencing, words are not just words, but carry tremendous weight in determining the lives of those convicted. Individuals labeled as “violent” offenders often face mandatory minimums longer than do their “nonviolent” counterparts and encounter difficulties such as the “three strikes” rule and “habitual violent offender” penalties—the latter of which have particularly devastating effects on immigrants and non-citizens, who could face deportation. Additionally, the practice of disenfranchising incarcerated folks at the ballot box also reveals the nuances of violent versus nonviolent offenses. 6.1 million Americans
are precluded from participating in our democracy due to a felony conviction; in twenty-one states, voting rights are automatically restored after parole and/or probation. However, states such as Nevada, Wyoming, Kentucky, and Florida have voting restoration that turns on whether the offense was nonviolent or violent in nature.
Now, more than ever, it is imperative to raise awareness regarding the false dichotomy of violent and nonviolent classification of offenses. Undoing this arbitrary classification can work towards lessening sentences and reducing overall incarceration rates. Additionally, amidst primary elections and the upcoming presidential and congressional elections, our democracy hinges on ongoing systemic reform, and addressing felony disenfranchisement is key to that work. We must advocate for the overhaul of the carceral state as well as for changes in conviction, so that individuals cannot be deprived—neither temporarily nor permanently—of their right to vote on the basis of unjust laws.
Today Last Prisoner Project (LPP), alongside other partner organizations, hosted a 420 Unity Day of Action press conference at the House Triangle in front of the U.S. Capitol building where we were joined by elected officials who have been leading the fight for cannabis reform including Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Oregon), Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-Oregon), and Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-Massachusetts) to encourage their colleagues on both sides of the aisle to end the hypocrisy of cannabis criminalization. Rep. Pressley said that, “criminalizing marijuana is part of the failed war on drugs and sustained a mass incarceration crisis that has ravaged our communities, destabilized our amilies and inflicted generational trauma. When we’re talking about the war on drugs, cannabis justice and the shameful crisis of mass incarceration, there are no excuses for the problem. No excuses, but there is a solution—and clemency is a part of that solution.” She continued saying, “Cannabis justice is racial justice. Cannabis justice is economic justice. Cannabis justice is reparative. It is restorative justice. And the time to act is now. “The War on Drugs has failed, and it’s past time that cannabis be descheduled,” said Wyden. “That’s why I am proud to join forces for the 420 Unity Day of Action to bring America’s cannabis policies into the 21st century. But we can’t stop at descheduling. Congress must do more to repair the harm caused by a decades old-drug war—like passing the Cannabis Administration And Opportunity Act I introduced with Leader Schumer and Senator Booker. Meaningful cannabis reform will ensure communities of color receive equal justice and pave the way for small businesses to thrive in their local communities." Rep. Blumenauer said, “Forces are aligned to be able to end this failed war on drugs and mobilize unprecedented support across the country. And, frankly, the Biden administration has been doing a little realignment, which I welcome. But it’s time to not just realign but get it done. President Biden, if I was interested in mobilizing young people—if I was interested in energizing them—this is a no-brainer.” On April 18th, Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minnesota) joined advocates to convene at the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center Auditorium at 9 a.m. for Lobby Day programming and meetings with elected officials and their staff to apply public pressure on Congress and the President to take action to fully legalize cannabis, free those still in prison, and provide retroactive relief. Capping off the 420 Unity Day of Action, the public is invited to attend a candlelight vigil in front of the White House at Lafayette Square on April 18 from 7-10 p.m . For supporters who can’t make it to D.C. but would still like to join our fight for cannabis justice, we encourage you to contact your elected officials by sending them a letter and calling their offices urging them to decriminalize cannabis now. 420 Unity Day of Action is part of the National Cannabis Festival which takes place at RFK Campus Festival Grounds on April 19th and 20th where directly-impacted advocates will join celebrity voices like M-1 of Dead Prez and JoJo Simmons for multiple panel conversations with partners on how we can push the movement forward. This will culminate with headlined concerts by Thundercat and Wu-Tang Clan with Redman . Thanks to the broader array of advocate groups spanning across political boundaries that are supporting the 420 Unity Day of Action: Last Prisoner Project (LPP) ( @lastprisonerproject ) Drug Policy Alliance (DPA) ( @drugpolicyalliance ) Students for Sensible Drug Policy (SSDP) ( @ssdpofficial ) NORML ( @natlnorml ) Veterans Cannabis Coalition ( @veteranscannacoalition ) Parabola Center ( @parabolacenter ) Reason Foundation Law Enforcement Action Partnership (LEAP) ( @leactionpartnership ) National Cannabis Festival ( @natlcannabisfest ) National Craft Cannabis Coalition ( @nationalcraftcannabiscoalition ) National Cannabis Industry Association (NCIA) ( @nationalcannabisindustry ) Minority Cannabis Business Association (MCBA) ( @mincannbusassoc ) Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association (ICIA) ( @indigenouscannabisindustry ) Asian Cannabis Roundtable ( @asiancannabisroundtable ) National Association of Black Cannabis Lawyers (NABCL) ( @nabcl_llc ) FreedomGrow ( @FreedomGrowForever ) Marijuana Justice ( @thcjusticenow ) Doctors for Drug Policy Reform ( @d4dprorg ) United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) ( @ufcwunion ) Bay Area Latino Cannabis Alliance (BALCA) ( @balca_bayarea ) Supernova Women ( @supernovawomen ) Minorities for Medical Marijuana ( @m4mmunited ) Better Organizing for Winning Legalization ( @thebowlpac ) Midwest Cannawomen ( @midwestcannawomen ) DCMJ ( @DCMJ2014 ) Just Leadership USA (JLUSA) ( @justleadershipusa ) National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers ( @nacdl ) United For Decrim Marijuana Policy Project (MPP) ( @marijuanapolicyproject )
30+ Organizations Join Forces for 420 Unity Day of Action Press Conference, Lobby Day, and White House Candlelight Vigil Washington D.C., April 16 – Last Prisoner Project (LPP) has mobilized the largest coalition of bi-partisan cannabis advocacy, industry, and grassroots organizations, as well as individual activists to convene in Washington D.C. on April 18, 2024 , for a 420 Unity Day of Action . A number of lobbying events have been planned to apply public pressure on Congress and the President to take action to fully legalize cannabis, free those still in prison, and provide retroactive relief. Advocates will be joined by elected officials who have been leading the fight for cannabis reform including Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Oregon), Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-Oregon), and others to encourage their colleagues on both sides of the aisle to end the hypocrisy of cannabis criminalization. On April 17 , the coalition will hold a press conference at the U.S. Capitol’s House Triangle , organized by LPP, at 8:45 a.m. prior to the start of the National Cannabis Festival Policy Summit at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library where LPP is hosting Lobby Day Training from 4-5 p.m. in Conference Room 401-F. On April 18 , coalition advocates will convene at the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center Auditorium at 9 a.m. for Lobby Day programming and meetings with elected officials and their staff. Capping off the 420 Unity Day of Action, the public is invited to attend a candlelight vigil in front of the White House at Lafayette Square on April 18 from 7-10 p.m . Since announcing the 420 Unity Day of Action, there have been a number of developments that continue to build momentum for cannabis justice. After President Biden mentioned his cannabis actions during his State of the Union address , the White House hosted a roundtable to uplift the Administration’s expanded pardons. Additionally, members of Congress have continued to send letters to the Biden Administration and the DEA to encourage the full descheduling of cannabis. Although 24 states and D.C. have legalized adult-use cannabis sales and the vast majority of the U.S. population now lives in states with some form of legal cannabis, tens of thousands of people remain in state and federal prison. It is imperative that as the federal government seeks to downgrade cannabis’s status from a Schedule I drug , advocates are pushing for the full legalization and decriminalization of cannabis. For supporters who can’t make it to D.C. but would still like to join our fight for cannabis justice, we encourage you to contact your elected officials by sending them a letter and calling their offices urging them to decriminalize cannabis now. 420 Unity Day of Action is part of the National Cannabis Festival which takes place at RFK Campus Festival Grounds on April 19th and 20th where directly-impacted advocates will join celebrity voices like M-1 of Dead Prez and JoJo Simmons for multiple panel conversations with partners on how we can push the movement forward. This will culminate with headlined concerts by Thundercat and Wu-Tang Clan with Redman . The broad array of advocate groups spans across political boundaries and includes: Last Prisoner Project (LPP) ( @lastprisonerproject ) Drug Policy Alliance (DPA) ( @drugpolicyalliance ) Students for Sensible Drug Policy (SSDP) ( @ssdpofficial ) NORML ( @natlnorml ) Veterans Cannabis Coalition ( @veteranscannacoalition ) Parabola Center ( @parabolacenter ) Reason Foundation Law Enforcement Action Partnership (LEAP) ( @leactionpartnership ) National Cannabis Festival ( @natlcannabisfest ) National Craft Cannabis Coalition ( @nationalcraftcannabiscoalition ) National Cannabis Industry Association (NCIA) ( @nationalcannabisindustry ) Minority Cannabis Business Association (MCBA) ( @mincannbusassoc ) Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association (ICIA) ( @indigenouscannabisindustry ) Asian Cannabis Roundtable ( @asiancannabisroundtable ) National Association of Black Cannabis Lawyers (NABCL) ( @nabcl_llc ) FreedomGrow ( @FreedomGrowForever ) Marijuana Justice ( @thcjusticenow ) Doctors for Drug Policy Reform ( @d4dprorg ) United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) ( @ufcwunion ) Bay Area Latino Cannabis Alliance (BALCA) ( @balca_bayarea ) Supernova Women ( @supernovawomen ) Minorities for Medical Marijuana ( @m4mmunited ) Better Organizing for Winning Legalization ( @thebowlpac ) Midwest Cannawomen ( @midwestcannawomen ) DCMJ ( @DCMJ2014 ) Just Leadership USA (JLUSA) ( @justleadershipusa ) National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers ( @nacdl ) United For Decrim Marijuana Policy Project (MPP) ( @marijuanapolicyproject ) For Media Inquiries: Jason Ortiz Director of Strategic Initiatives press@lastprisonerproject.org ABOUT LAST PRISONER PROJECT Last Prisoner Project is dedicated to freeing those incarcerated due to the War on Drugs, reuniting their families, and helping them rebuild their lives. As laws change, there remains a fundamental injustice for individuals whose conviction is no longer a crime. We work to repair these harms through legal intervention, constituent support, direct advocacy, and policy change. Visit www.lastprisonerproject.org or text FREEDOM to 24365 to learn more.
This 4/20, consider giving your stoner gifts with purpose. By choosing gifts that align with the mission of the Last Prisoner Project , you can make a significant impact on the lives of those affected by outdated cannabis laws. Here's a guide to stylish presents that also contribute to the Last Prisoner Project's mission of achieving reparative justice in the cannabis community. The Pleasures x Reebok Club C Bulc “Not Guilty” Sneaker Los Angeles streetwear label Pleasures and Reebok have cooked up a sneaker for 4/20 , but rather than play around with stoner stereotypes or motifs they’ve decided to make a more serious point about who’s been left behind in the process of marijuana legalization. They were made to call attention to those who are still incarcerated for marijuana charges, even as the drug has been widely legalized across the United States. The sneakers come as part of a wider a T-shirt, shorts and hoodie. To coincide with the capsule, Reebok has pledged to donate $10,000 to Last Prisoner Project Lucky Brand Highest Quality Collection Lucky Brand’s Highest Quality Capsule Collection, features cannabis-inspired styles made with elevated techniques, exemplifying the casual cool and culturally relevant lifestyle of laid-back comfort. The campaign highlights stories of the progression of cannabis perception in society by showcasing a variety of personal perspectives – from criminalization to culture to agriculture. $10 from every Highest Quality item sold in April 2024 will be donated to Last Prisoner Project . Last Prisoner Project Merch Store Buy cannabis reform hoodies, t-shirts, hats and other merchandise that let you advocate for social justice and cannabis reform everywhere you go. These items go directly to LPP’s funds to support our constituents and run our programs. FashionKush "Cannabis Is Not A Crime" Sweatshirt Make a statement for social justice & cannabis reform with our Cannabis is Not a Crime collection... because no one should be in jail for weed. $1 from each purchase of our Cannabis is Not a Crime collection will be donated to our friends at the last prisoner project in support of their efforts to redress the harms caused by cannabis prohibition through Last Prisoner Project 's Constituent Support Fund. The 420 Grassland Runwell 41mm Watch Designed in collaboration with actor and Michigan native Quincy Isaiah, the Grassland Runwell is created to bring awareness to the racial disparity in marijuana arrests and help drive long-needed change. A portion of the proceeds of each watch—limited to 420 pieces—is pledged to support criminal justice reform policies. “How a Plant Became Illegal” T-Shirt As millions walk into their local dispensaries every day to buy cannabis, there are tens of thousands incarcerated for doing the very same thing. Last Prisoner Project’s collaboration with For Everyone Collective aims to raise awareness for those impacted by cannabis prohibition and shed light on this injustice. The shirts were designed and printed by formerly incarcerated people and all profits from this collection will go towards LPP’s Constituent Support Fund to aid those currently incarcerated for cannabis offenses. Purchase Cannabis from Justice Partners Our Roll It Up For Justice Program is a nationwide campaign encouraging cannabis businesses to give customers the opportunity to donate to Last Prisoner Project at check out. Small change can make a big impact, and every cent raised through the program gets us closer to the day when every last cannabis prisoner is set free. No dispensary around you currently participating? Encourage your budtender to check it out . And as always, make sure to buy weed from the people that have been traditionally criminalized the most including Black, Latine, LGBTQ+, and women legacy operators. Cheech and Chong Judges Water The Judge's Water™ is a treasure for any true vodka lover, and the bottle is every stoner's dream… But for us, this project is more than just a cool concept. With over half a century advocating for the green, and a couple of mugshots to show for it, Cheech and Chong have seen firsthand the sting of outdated drug laws. Millions of Americans are locked up in states where cannabis is legal for non-violent drug offenses. All because of the backwards drug laws we've had in this country for decades. That just doesn’t sit right with us, man. It's a harsh reality we want to help change. That’s why a portion of all proceeds from The Judge’s Water™ are going to support The Last Prisoner Project’s mission to ensure that every last cannabis prisoner is released, & to help reintegrate them back into society. GRAV Classic Spoon As part of our ongoing partnership with Last Prisoner Project, we’ve teamed up to release a limited edition spoon. This glossy black hand pipe features the same high-capacity bowl and inverted ash-catching mouthpiece as our Classic Spoon. It’s also etched with both the GRAV and LPP emblems. Pass it around and get the conversation started. 100% of proceeds will be donated to the Last Prisoner Project. CHNGE.com Cannabis Equity Clothing Nobody Should be in Prison for Weed! CHNGE.com has created this line of cannabis equity clothing in support of The Last Prisoner Project and Marijuana Matters, two non-profits focused on cannabis criminal justice reform and economic opportunity in regulated cannabis markets for those disadvantaged by marijuana’s criminalization. Shop their tees, crop tops, and longsleeves here . Make a Donation to Last Prisoner Project If your stoner friends already have every cool accessory on the market, consider making a direct donation in their name to the Last Prisoner Project, to support our work to free people incarcerated for cannabis offenses.
