Re-enfranchising the Disenfranchised: Increasing Political Participation among the Previously Incarcerated through Parochial Social Controls

Abstract

This paper will explore the ways in which social control methods can be used to reinstate the political efficacy provided by the black consciousness framework. Although mass incarceration in Maryland has systematically excluded Baltimore’s poorest black communities from engaging in the political process, the state legislature’s return of voting rights has shifted the focus to community level methods for increasing political participation. It is clear that simply passing policy at a state level is not enough to increase political engagement among previously incarcerated citizens: in order to reach a marginalized group with historically low trust and participation in government, implementing programs at a community level is key. This study will include an exploration of one such institution, Turnaround Tuesday, as described below. Through the testimony of participants of Turnaround Tuesday as well as an analysis of secondary research, this paper presents the most effective methods for increasing political participation through parochial controls as demonstrated through high numbers of job obtention and retention, participation in community events, voting, and prolonged contact with Turnaround Tuesday. As communities develop stronger parochial controls through civic engagement and community service events and programs, returning citizens combat stigma through networks within the community which strengthens a sense of efficacy and increases political participation.