Eddie’s Struggle for Voting Rights in Queen Charlotte's City

In the heart of North Carolina, Charlotte is steeped in rich history and known affectionately as Queen City, the fight for voting rights continues to unfold, especially for those facing the justice system. Eddie, a participant with the Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO) in Charlotte, knows these challenges all too well.

A couple of years ago after being released from prison, Eddie exercised his right to vote. Registered and informed, he cast his ballot, believing his time served had restored his rights. However, because he was still on parole, what followed was a harsh reminder of the legal system that justice-impacted individuals must navigate. He received a government-sealed letter warning him that he could face charges if he voted again.

This provision dated back to a law enacted in 1877 in the aftermath of the 1870 passage of the 15th amendment–which gave Black Americans the right to vote–as a way of continuing to purposefully disenfranchise Black voters. The law made it a Class I felony for a person to vote without having their rights restored. While a federal judge has since struck down the law saying it “was enacted with discriminatory intent, has not been cleansed of its discriminatory taint, and continues to disproportionately impact Black voters,” voter disenfranchisement of people who are completing a sentence–including probation or parole–continues in North Carolina, disproportionately impacting Black communities because of their overrepresentation in the criminal justice system.

"It's not fair. I served my time, but because of outdated laws meant to keep Black people from voting, I was denied my constitutional rights," says Eddie.

Why Voting Rights Matter for All

For those who have been justice-impacted, the right to vote is not just a privilege—it's a link to society and an opportunity to reclaim their voice and make a difference. After serving over three decades in the state penitentiary, Eddie says that being in a position to vote is an opportunity to influence who sits on the city council, becomes the sheriff, or even holds the office of the president.

"There's a lot of people who can make a difference in who will sit in office," he said. Justice-impacted individuals who have paid their debt to society now contribute to the community in so many ways, including as taxpayers. “As taxpayers, you're taking money from my check weekly, so I should have a say in the matter of who's governing our society. To take that away is almost a slap in the face. Not to mention, it's a double standard."

Eddie’s Advice to the Justice-Impacted Community On Voting

“For those eligible to vote, I would definitely encourage them to vote," Eddie shares. "Those who can't [vote], if it's going to land you in more trouble with the law, then I would say abstain," he cautioned for those uncertain of their eligibility.

The risk of further legal complications can overshadow the passion for participation. Eddie spent time in prison from age 16 until he was 50 years old, so he speaks from experience. "I hate to stand down, because I'm a natural fighter, but at the same time, I don't want any parts of [prison] anymore. So, if anything threatens my freedom, I will be leery about how I approach it.”

The Hard Truth

The statistics reveal a concerning reality. According to a2017 report, although Black Americans make up about 13 percent of the U.S. population, one-third of Black men have at least one felony conviction. In North Carolina, Black individuals account for nearly 53 percent of the prison population, despite comprising only 21.5 percent of the state's adult population, according to The Hill.

As North Carolina gears up for its next election cycle, we must equip the justice-impacted community with the resources and information necessary to navigate the voter eligibility landscape. With every voice heard and every vote counted, we can move closer to a more inclusive society where the right to vote is truly accessible to all, regardless of past mistakes.

To find out if you are eligible to vote and access other voting resources, visit ceoworks.org/vote or call 866-OUR-VOTE.