Expand Democracy. Restore Voting Rights. Build Civic Power.
Unlock Civics: Expanding Democracy for All Illinoisans
Unlock Civics is Chicago Votes’ long‑standing effort to expand civic education and democratic participation for people impacted by incarceration. Through years of on‑the‑ground work, including civic education, court watching, and jail‑based voting programs, we have seen firsthand how exclusion from democracy harms individuals, families, and communities.
What Is the RACE Act?
The Reintegration and Civic Empowerment (RACE) Act (SB2983/HB5414) would expand democracy in Illinois by:
- Restoring voting rights to people in prison
- Expanding civic education at the beginning of incarceration
- Ensuring access to vote‑by‑mail for eligible voters in custody
If passed, Illinois would become the first state to restore voting rights to people in prison, joining Maine, Vermont, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico.
Why This Matters: People in prison are still members of our communities. They are counted in the census, impacted by laws and policies, and often return home within a few years. Yet they are excluded from the democratic process at a moment when civic education and engagement can be most impactful.
The RACE Act:
- Strengthens democracy by ensuring more Illinoisans have a voice
- Supports successful reentry through civic participation
- Addresses racial inequities created by mass incarceration
- Builds accountability between lawmakers and all constituents
Take Action: Send a Letter to Your Lawmaker
By filling out the form below, we will automatically send a letter to your state lawmakers urging them to support the RACE Act. Just enter your information, and if you include your address, we will identify your lawmakers and ensure your message reaches the right people.
Background: In 2019, Illinois enacted Civics in Prison, offering peer-taught civics courses during the final year of an individual’s sentence. Written by individuals incarcerated in Stateville C.C., the law fosters civic knowledge and engagement across Illinois’ prisons. Since its implementation in 2020, over 270 incarcerated people have been trained as peer educators, with over 5,000 course participants.
Empowering community members in prison to be civically engaged.
A peer educator incarcerated in Graham Correctional Center explains,
“People often come away from the experience with the idea that politics IS about them. And they find a deeper connection to the actual issues. In order for anyone to be a part of anything, they MUST see themselves within the process. To be a part of something, we have to feel we belong.“
When people in prison cannot vote, influence policy, or hold elected officials accountable, things like inhumane prison conditions, problematic judges, and “tough-on-crime” policies persist more easily.
A recent report detailing out the $2.4 billion in repairs needed to make IL prisons inhabitable, highlights the urgency of including people in prison in our democracy. Without a means to hold elected officials accountable, people in prison are relegated to inhumane conditions and silenced in our democracy.
“I have never been afforded the opportunity to vote on the very people that control not only my everyday life, but my future life.”
Rob G, Incarcerated in Illinois
Join Us for the RACE Act Day of Advocacy
We’re heading to Springfield to make our voices heard and push for the passage of the RACE Act. This is your chance to meet with lawmakers, share stories, and demand voting rights for incarcerated individuals.
🗓 Date: April 16th, 2026📍 Location: Illinois State Capitol, Springfield
🚍 Transportation: Free buses will be provided from Chicago
We need YOU to show up and advocate for a more inclusive democracy! No prior lobbying experience is required—we’ll provide everything you need, including training and materials.
Tweet in Support of the RACE Act!
⚖️ Support the Reintegration and Civic Empowerment Act for safer communities! Moving civics education to the first year of incarceration and restoring voting rights to people in prison fosters positive engagement. Let’s empower everyone to contribute to our democracy. #UnlockCivics #RACEAct
Tweet
Democracy isn’t selective. Every voice counts, and that includes those behind bars. Granting people in prison the right to vote not only upholds the principles of equality and inclusion, but also fosters their reintegration into society. Let’s empower and restore the fundamental democratic rights of all citizens. #UnlockCivics #RACEAct
Tweet
Strengthen democracy, support the Reintegration and Civic Empowerment Act! Moving civics education to the first year of incarceration and restoring voting rights to people in prison fosters a sense of responsibility and community ties. Let’s make our society safer for all. 🗳️🤝 #UnlockCivics #RACEAct
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