I wrote this piece from prison. Why shouldn’t I vote from here, too? Voting would strengthen my connections to society.

On the days leading up to this past April 1, I was nervous. I was intimidated. But I also felt empowered. I had the opportunity to offer testimony before the Joint Committee on Election Laws in the Massachusetts Legislature about voting restoration bills filed by Senator Liz Miranda and Representative Erika Uyterhoeven. I spoke remotely before the lawmakers, calling in from MCI-Norfolk, where I am incarcerated.

Seventeen years ago, my family and I voted for Barack Obama, America’s first Black president. Back then, I had a say and a stake in democracy. All these years later, I had the opportunity to use my voice once again — this time to represent communities behind the wall.

The speakers at the hearing included formerly and currently incarcerated people and organizers with the Empowering Descendant Communities to Unlock Democracy project. We were able to educate lawmakers and the public about how universal voting rights benefit our democracy, reduce recidivism, and improve public safety by strengthening community bonds.

I believe felony disenfranchisement is a disservice to the Bay State. Maine, Vermont, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico allow their incarcerated populations with felony convictions to vote. These states and territories assist incarcerated individuals in becoming self-empowered and connected with their communities. Why can’t Massachusetts do the same? Having the right to vote will improve my rehabilitation, self-respect, and quality of life. I feel that restoring this fundamental right will help reform the way I think and how I exist in society. I will ultimately be better prepared to reintegrate back into my community as a productive and effective citizen.

As of 2025, more than 7,300 people in Massachusetts are banned from voting due to incarceration for a felony conviction, according to a recent report by The Sentencing Project. Unfortunately, people of color are more heavily affected, because we are imprisoned in disproportionate numbers. In order to strengthen democracy and address the significant racial inequities in Massachusetts, I believe that lawmakers should vote in favor of restoring voting rights.

To me, voting is more than just participating in the democratic process. I remember the feeling I had while speaking at the hearing — I felt empowered, respected, and amazed to have the opportunity to grow as a person. And if I could vote, it would create a sense that I’m not just tolerated but actually a part of this society.

Maurice’s op-ed featured in The Boston Globe