I've proven myself on parole. Why am I still locked out of democracy?
Two years ago, I walked out of prison, determined to rebuild my life. Since then, I've testified in front of the Austin City Council, mentored youth and collaborated with nonprofits to strengthen my community. I've kept my word to society, but the system refuses to honor its word to me.
When I was released on parole, I was expected to prove my trustworthiness. The word parole itself comes from the French phrase meaning 'to give one's word of honor.' Yet, even after proving myself, I am not trusted with the most fundamental right of citizenship: voting.
I keep thinking: "I've been trusted with liberty. Why not trust me with protecting my liberty?' Voting would allow me to do just that. Without it, I am at the mercy of others to make decisions that impact my life, my family and my community.
If I can move freely, work, pay taxes and serve my community, why am I still denied the right to vote? This is what 'civic death' looks like. Even after incarceration, the system continues to punish people like me, stripping us of our voice in our democracy. It sends a clear message: No matter how much you contribute, your life and experiences do not matter.
My story is not unique. I was incarcerated four times, caught in a web of habitual offender laws that trap hundreds of thousands of people in cycles of extreme sentences — including disenfranchisement — both in Texas and throughout the country. The Sentencing Project recently reported that more than 479,000 Texans cannot vote due to a felony conviction — the second largest disenfranchised population in the country, behind only Florida.
When people reenter their communities, we should encourage their civic participation, not restrict it. Research shows that voting fosters a lasting sense of belonging among justice-impacted citizens, strengthening our connection to the community. Instead, we are disempowered, turning formerly incarcerated individuals into second-class citizens, unable to fully participate in society.
Too often, society objectifies people who are incarcerated as irredeemable figures, rather than recognizing people as individuals with real stories, struggles and contributions. When we talk about justice, we must ask: Who is worthy of respect? Who is worthy of influence? If we believe in democracy, then the answer should be everyone.
Terms like "second chances" and "forgiveness" imply that one has been redeemed or restored back to the community, and is no longer in debt to society. If the time I served has paid my debt, then I'm not asking for forgiveness — I'm asking for the chance to belong again. To be seen not just for my past, but for my redemption. To be accepted, fully as a citizen with dignity and purpose.
Denying people the right to vote based on their past involvement in the criminal legal system is not just an injustice — it is a direct contradiction of the very principles this country claims to stand for. If we truly believe in democracy, we must ensure that every citizen has a voice, regardless of their past mistakes.
But my home state of Texas has an important choice to make: uphold democracy or continue a legacy of exclusion. Senate Bill 631/HB 590 would restore voting rights to people on parole, finally ending a practice that disenfranchises thousands of Texans who live, work and contribute to their communities.
The Texas Legislature must act now to pass these measures and put an end to the civic death of more than 327,000 Texans, including myself, who are banned from voting while completing their sentence on felony probation or parole.
The question isn't whether people like me deserve the right to vote. It's whether Texas will uphold the principles of democracy or continue to silence us. It is time for Texas to listen.
Robert Lilly is a criminal justice organizer with Grassroots Leadership. He lives in Austin.
This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Texas should retore voting rights for people released from prison
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