This story is part of Locked Out, a special series from PJP about voting, politics and democracy behind bars. Click here to read more.
I recently polled 37 residents of the housing unit I live in at South Central Correctional Center in Licking, Mo., on 2024 election issues.
Those polled voiced concerns about everything from the U.S. economy to wars abroad, and expressed views on different politicians.
Many signaled support for prison reforms that would, in part, decrease sentences for nonviolent offenders and first-time offenders. Some indicated a desire to have their voting rights restored and to have the fees felons pay upon release from prison reduced or eliminated.
This poll offers a peek into the minds of incarcerated people about critical issues that affect everyone. It shows how prisoners would vote if allowed, and what motivates their choices.
At least here in my Missouri prison, most of the issues that vex us on the inside are the same issues that vex us all.
(Editor’s note: This poll was administered before President Joe Biden ended his bid for reelection.)
Age
18-35: 14
35-50: 16
50 and older: 7
Voting experience
62% never voted
21% had committed felonies or were incarcerated before they could vote
13% previously voted
4% could not remember if they voted
Top issues (ages 18-35)
Economy, 38%
Prison reform, 21%
Presidential candidates’ ages, 19%
Reproductive rights, 12%
Wars around the world and military preparedness, 10%
Top issues (over 35)
Health care, 28%
Economy, 19%
Voting rights, 17%
Gus violence and rights, 10%
Taxes, 9%
Donald Trump being a felon running for president, 8%
North Korea/Russia, 5%
Middle East, 3%
Other, 1%
Choice for president
Joe Biden, 44%
Donald Trump, 40%
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., 11%
Unsure, 5%
Someone else, 4%
