Philadelphia – On Tuesday, April 28, 2026, the City Office of Public Safety’s Division of Reentry, joined City Commissioner Omar Sabir and community members for a voter engagement and empowerment listening session designed specifically for the needs of justice-impacted individuals.

Chairman Sabir emphasized the importance of clarifying the enfranchisement participation status of men and women with previous convictions saying, “The last day to register to vote is May 4th, and on May 19th there will be a primary election. Don’t wait. We are doing all we can to ensure every Philadelphian is exercising their right to vote and that includes those with a record and anyone on probation, parole, as well as pre-trial detainees.”

Division of Reentry Executive Director Assata Thomas shared that the day was not just about information but about “access and making sure people are not left out of the very systems that shape their lives,” adding that, “The Division of Reentry, within the Office of Public Safety, is an extension of the Mayor’s vision to build a safer cleaner, greener Philadelphia with economic opportunity for all. And we take that ‘for all’ seriously – because public safety is not just about enforcement, it’s about inclusion, and inclusion includes access to the ballot box.”

Dozens of justice-impacted men and women attended the event. Shakaboona Marshall, Executive Director of the organization 2nd Chance Voters shared that, “after coming home, one of the first things I did was register to vote. In May 2024, I cast my ballot for the first time — something I had never been able to do before. For me, that was more than voting. It was a way to reclaim my voice, my dignity, and my place in the community. Returning citizens know what is at stake. We have lived the system, and we deserve a voice in changing it.”