Illinois Bill Aims to Restore Voting Rights for Incarcerated Felons

Advocates push RACE Act to allow voting from behind bars and expand civics education in prisons

Mar. 30, 2026 at 9:18pm

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A fractured, abstract painting featuring overlapping geometric shapes and waves of dark blue, forest green, and burnt orange, conceptually representing the political tension and momentum around the RACE Act's proposed changes to voting rights for incarcerated individuals.The RACE Act's proposed expansion of voting rights for incarcerated individuals sparks a heated political debate in Illinois.Chicago Today

Advocates and lawmakers in Chicago are pushing for the RACE Act, a bill that would restore voting rights to people serving felony sentences in Illinois prisons. The proposal would also expand civics education inside correctional facilities, with the changes set to take effect in 2028. Supporters argue the measure could impact 35,000 to 50,000 people statewide and is crucial for democracy by giving a voice to those most impacted by its decisions.

Why it matters

The RACE Act is a significant policy proposal that would change who gets a say in Illinois elections and how civic education works inside prisons. Supporters view it as a matter of restoring fundamental rights and preparing incarcerated individuals for life after release, while opponents may raise concerns about the implications for election integrity and public safety.

The details

The RACE Act, or House Bill 5414, would restore voting rights to people serving felony sentences in Illinois correctional institutions and require election authorities to work with prisons to facilitate voting by mail. This is different from current Illinois law, which allows people held in jail to vote but denies that right to those in prison serving felony sentences until their release from the Illinois Department of Corrections.

  • The bill was introduced in the Illinois legislature in February 2026 and remains active this month.
  • If approved, the changes would take effect on January 1, 2028, with a January 14, 2028 deadline for people already incarcerated before 2027.

The players

Yoel Davis

A survivor of 34 years in the carceral system who now works as the director of curriculum and training at the Illinois Alliance for Reentry and Justice.

Marlon Chamberlain

The founder of the Illinois Coalition to End Permanent Punishments, who argued that a democracy cannot function by excluding the very people most impacted by its decisions.

Illinois Alliance for Reentry and Justice

An organization that advocates for criminal justice reform and the rights of formerly incarcerated individuals.

Illinois Coalition to End Permanent Punishments

A group that works to eliminate permanent punishments and collateral consequences for people with criminal records.

Chicago Votes

A non-profit organization that campaigns for expanding voting rights, including for incarcerated individuals.

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What they’re saying

“I stand before you today as a survivor of 34 years in a carceral system. During that time, felony disenfranchisement stripped away my 15th Amendment right to vote, silencing my voice.”

— Yoel Davis, Director of Curriculum and Training, Illinois Alliance for Reentry and Justice

“A democracy cannot function by excluding the very people most impacted by its decisions.”

— Marlon Chamberlain, Founder, Illinois Coalition to End Permanent Punishments

What’s next

Backers of the RACE Act say they are still educating lawmakers and the public as they try to move the bill forward this legislative session. They are urging legislative leaders and Governor J.B. Pritzker to pass the measure before the General Assembly adjourns for the spring.

The takeaway

The RACE Act is a controversial proposal that highlights the ongoing debate over voting rights and civic engagement for incarcerated individuals. While supporters view it as a matter of restoring fundamental rights and preparing inmates for life after release, opponents may raise concerns about the implications for election integrity and public safety. The outcome of this bill could set an important precedent for other states considering similar measures.