I don’t know how, but I always forget that being a registered voter in a swing state during an election means being endlessly bombarded with texts, calls, and mailers from PACs, candidates, and their surrogates. One is forced to view the same TV campaign ads repeatedly. The election noise is deafening. These days it seems like finding common ground across the political divide is nearly impossible, but I would bet that many Pennsylvanians are feeling a sense of relief that the election is over, even if they are disappointed with the results. Amidst the hyperbolic rhetoric and flashy marketing, it is easy to forget we are electing public servants whose roles are constitutionally defined and constrained, and who are hired by and accountable to us, the people. We come from varied backgrounds and experiences, but when we enter the polling booth, we are unified by the equal power we share to determine our future as a society by casting a single vote. In Pennsylvania, this power is as equally vested in citizens with criminal records as it is in those without, and unless one is currently incarcerated for a felony, one can vote. Pennsylvanians with criminal records vote for different parties and different candidates but share a common desire to move on from their past and participate fully in their communities. Crime and public safety are politicized topics, but we cannot forget that behind the statistics and talking points are individuals who are our friends, family, and neighbors and these individuals can vote. 

In June of 2023 the PA House of Representatives passed House Bill 689, also known as Clean Slate 3.0, and subsequently the Governor signed it into law. This bill improved upon two previously passed bills which mandated the automatic sealing of certain cases and allowed the sealing of cases with outstanding costs and fines.  Clean Slate 3.0 prevents people with certain felonies from employment discrimination. All of this is excellent progress. What is especially heartening is that the bill received overwhelming bipartisan support with a vote of 189 to 14.  Being tough on crime doesn’t mean being tough on individuals with criminal records.  Providing folks with a record the opportunity to get a better job, better housing, and regain a sense of dignity leads to safer and more prosperous communities. Regardless of one’s political stance, we all should agree that second chances needn’t be a partisan issue. 



Philadelphia Lawyers for Social Equity is a nonprofit 501c(3) organization and as a result we are prohibited from the endorsement of any candidate. We are committed to serving all people who are eligible for our services, regardless of their political beliefs. Even amid a shifting and polarized political landscape, we will continue to fight for the rights of individuals with criminal records and champion second chances as a nonpartisan priority which leads to transformed lives and a healthier society.