Keyway Center for Diversion and Reentry and Missouri Appleseed Advocate for Voting Rights Restoration at the Capitol
Organizations unite at the Missouri Capitol to support House Bill 2592
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (May 4, 2026) – On Tax Day, staff and participants from Keyway Center for Diversion and Reentry joined advocates from Missouri Appleseed at the Missouri State Capitol to call for the restoration of voting rights for Missourians on probation and parole. The date underscored a powerful principle at the heart of the visit: no taxation without representation.
Together, the civic nonprofits advocated in support of House Bill 2592 (Rep. Melanie Stinnett, R-Springfield), legislation that would restore voting rights to individuals living and working in the community while serving probation or parole. Under current Missouri law, individuals must complete their full sentence, including supervision, before regaining the right to vote. HB 2592 would change that, recognizing that people who work, pay taxes, support their families, and contribute to their communities should also have a voice in them.
“Individuals on supervision are already contributing to our communities – they’re working, paying taxes, and raising families. Restoring the right to vote aligns responsibility with participation and reinforces their role as stakeholders, leading to stronger communities, better outcomes, and improved public safety,” shares Keyway Executive Director April Foster.
“Restoring the right to vote is not only the right thing to do, but the just and safe thing to do. Research shows voting restores trust in government, reduces recidivism, and improves community safety. We are grateful to Rep. Stinnett for her advocacy on behalf of our neighbors,” shares Missouri Appleseed Executive Director Mary Quandt.
Keyway Center for Diversion and Reentry works alongside women rebuilding their lives after incarceration by providing safe housing, employment support, behavioral health services, and resources that create pathways to long-term success. Missouri Appleseed advances justice through public policy and legal advocacy that expands opportunities for low-income and marginalized Missourians. Together, both organizations believe civic participation is a vital part of successful reentry and stronger communities. Restoring voting rights during supervision would: reinforce dignity and belonging, encourage civic engagement and accountability, support successful reintegration and reduce recidivism, and align rights with responsibilities. When people are treated as full members of society, they are more likely to succeed as full members of society.
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