“Voting is a civil right. No one should be denied,” read one sign at the demonstration.

The bill, which passed the Alabama legislature June 16, would have given people convicted of nonviolent crimes, who have served their sentences and paid restitution, a certificate saying they were eligible to register to vote.

Many workers in Alabama were outraged by the governor’s veto and feel strongly that those who have served their time should be able to function in society as normal people. This is especially true among Blacks, due to the high percentage of African-Americans who end up in the prison system at some time in their lives. In Alabama 62 percent of the 28,406 people in state prisons are Black, although only 26 percent of the population is African-American.

Ralph Timberlake, a postal worker from Huntsville, participated in the action. “It was a very enthusiastic demonstration,” he told Militant reporters. “People came from all over the state. People who have paid their dues shouldn’t be denied their right to participate. I think the government should grant ex-felons all of their rights to participate in society.”

The Alabama Legislative Black Caucus, which backed the bill, called the march. The protest was supported by the Alabama chapters of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. Rainbow/Operation PUSH president Jesse Jackson also participated.  
 
 
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