Theses Master's

Ballots Over Bars: The Fight for a Voice

Kalfus, Elly

People incarcerated in Massachusetts have a long history of fighting to make their voices heard on the outside, from running for office to forming political action committees. This oral history project and grassroots campaign is a collaboration with currently and formerly incarcerated people in Massachusetts to document and learn from their creative acts of resistance in order to maximize their political power.

My research explores the motivations that drive people to risk years in solitary in order to have a say in government, the history of resistance including different tactics employed, and what the future holds for the national movement to re-enfranchise people convicted of crimes. Criminal justice reform advocates must recognize the agency of 'the people they are trying to help' in order to be effective.

Keywords: prisoners' rights, democracy, whiteness, masculinity, power, privilege

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More About This Work

Academic Units
Oral History Master of Arts
Thesis Advisors
Clark, Mary Marshall
Degree
M.A., Columbia University
Published Here
September 27, 2023