Our Policy Priorities
Starting in Philadelphia, built to scale across Pennsylvania. We promote nonpartisan policies that help returning citizens stabilize and participate fully in civic life.
What we do
2nd Chance Voters (2CV) advances nonpartisan policy education that removes barriers for returning citizens—so people can secure housing and work, access health and banking, and participate in civic life. We publish briefings, host forums, and partner with agencies, service providers, and community groups to implement what works.
Policy Pillars
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Why it matters
Eligible detained citizens remain voters; inconsistent jail procedures mean legal votes are lost.
Nonpartisan information and logistics unlock participation and trust.
What works
MOUs between election officials & jails; trained points of contact.
Clear timelines, on-site education, ballot handling protocols.
Top recommendations
Codify jail voting procedures & staff training.
Require a Jail Voter Access Plan each election cycle.
Standardize ID/address rules; publish facility-level metrics.
Metrics to track
Detainees reached/registered; ballot request/return rates; rejection reasons.
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Why it matters
Blanket record barriers block housing, jobs, and licenses—fueling instability.
Case-by-case review protects safety and expands opportunity.
What works
Fair-chance hiring & licensing; fair-chance housing; automatic record relief.
Navigation + rights education for applicants and employers/landlords.
Top recommendations
Enact fair-chance housing & licensing standards.
Expand automatic expungement/sealing where eligible; streamline pardons.
Fund reentry navigation and employer/landlord training.
Metrics to track
Approvals after individualized review; record relief completions; 6/12-month retention.
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Why it matters
Over-supervision and stacked fees trap people in cycles of technical violations.
Right-sizing supervision improves reentry outcomes and public safety.
What works
Earned discharge, shorter terms, clear completion pathways.
Ending duplicative “double taxation” supervision fees.
Top recommendations
Reduce term lengths; expand earned discharge.
Eliminate duplicative/unduly burdensome supervision fees.
Adopt evidence-based responses to technical violations.
Metrics to track
Early discharges; fee burdens; technical violation rates.
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Why it matters
Transparent oversight prevents abuse and improves safety & health.
Prolonged solitary harms mental health and reentry.
What works
Independent oversight; enforceable standards; family-unity policies.
Top recommendations
Establish independent prison & jail oversight with public reporting.
End prolonged solitary; adopt evidence-based safety practices.
Remediate or close unsafe/toxic facilities.
Metrics to track
Oversight findings addressed; solitary use/time; facility compliance rates.Item description
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Why it matters
Financial exclusion blocks stability (banking, credit, predatory fees).
Public-sector hiring targets signal opportunity and reduce stigma.
What works
Banking access & credit-building; consumer protections; public hiring goals.
Top recommendations
Set public-sector fair-chance hiring targets (e.g., ≥1%).
Expand safe banking/credit products and rights education.
Tailor consumer protections for incarcerated/justice-impacted families.
Metrics to track
New accounts/credit-builder enrollments; hires under fair-chance policies.
Policy Briefs
Voting Access in County Jails — Policy Brief (PDF)
Procedures, staffing, timelines, and metrics to ensure eligible voters in county jails can register and vote on time.
Fair-Chance Housing — Policy Brief (PDF)
How individualized assessments, look-back limits, and landlord supports expand safe, stable housing.
Partner on Policy
Nonprofits, legal clinics, employers, landlords associations, unions, and civic groups—let’s remove barriers together in Philadelphia and replicate what works across Pennsylvania.
