Grassroots organization hopes for ‘yes’ vote on Fair Chance Amendment Oct. 11

NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — The only amendment on New Orleans’ ballot for the upcoming election aims to help people find jobs after they have been released from jail or prison.

Supporters call it the Fair Chance Amendment.

“Being arrested, convicted, being released and unable to find a house or job because of that conviction. So that’s what this is about. It’s about their humanity, our humanity,” said Ronald Marshall, Chief Policy Analyst with non-profit “Voice of The Experienced” (VOTE).

That is Marshall’s concise explanation for the need for an amendment on the Oct. 11 ballot.

“Vote is an organization created and founded by formerly incarcerated men and women. The whole mission of our organization is to restore that dignity to formerly incarcerated people,” said Marshall.

One of the ways that VOTE executes its mission is by drafting policy. It has had a hand in spearheading what they are calling their Fair Chance Amendment.

The city council unanimously approved the measure sending it to voters who seek to add the terminology “convicted history” to the city’s Bill of Rights alongside race, religion and gender, in hoped of giving the formerly incarcerated a fair shake.

The verbiage on the ballot will read differently.

“Do you support an amendment to our home rule charter that prohibits unreasonable and arbitrary discrimination against people with conviction history status,” said Marshall.

It’s the only amendment on the ballot, and Voice of The Experienced hopes that you vote “Yes.”

“Voice of The Experienced” is hosting a job fair for people with conviction histories to help find jobs. The event is on Thursday, Sept. 4, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 4930 Washington Ave., Suite A.

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