15 Oct Mississippi Center for Justice to Host Amnesty Day/Expungement Clinic and Breaking Down the Ballot Event in Indianola

For media inquiries, please contact:
Tara Y. Wren
Director of Communications
twren@mscenterforjustice.org
601-487-7504

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Indianola, MS – October 18, 2024 – The Mississippi Center for Justice (MCJ) is excited to announce a community-focused event, Amnesty Day/Expungement Clinic and Breaking Down the Ballot, at our Indianola office on October 18, starting at 10 a.m. and continuing throughout the day. This event, open to the public and free of charge, aims to empower community members by providing critical legal services and voter education.

The event features two core components:

Amnesty Day and Expungements:  

In collaboration with local judges and legal authorities, MCJ has arranged for individuals to finalize the expungement of their criminal records on the spot. In order to qualify, the offense must be expungable, the criminal occurrence must have happened in the State of Mississippi and they must have paid their account balance in full. MCJ has also partnered with local law enforcement agencies to offer expungements during Amnesty Week to community members in the City of Indianola and Sunflower County.

For anyone seeking expungement, they will need to bring the following documents for felony convictions – indictment, sentencing order and discharge order (if applicable). For misdemeanor convictions, individuals need to bring an abstract of court record. Notably, all fees associated with the expungement process will be waived for those who qualify. This opportunity can open doors to better employment and housing options, previously blocked by a criminal record.

Breaking Down the Ballot:  

MCJ staff will guide attendees through the issues and positions on the upcoming November 5 ballot, helping voters understand how the decisions made by those elected will impact their daily lives. We will also assist participants in developing a voting plan to ensure they are prepared to cast their vote with confidence.

“Our goal is to remove barriers—whether it is through clearing someone’s record or providing the knowledge they need to make informed decisions at the ballot box,” said Vangela M. Wade, President and CEO of the Mississippi Center for Justice. “This marks the third year we have hosted Amnesty Day, and this year we are emphasizing civic engagement with Breaking Down the Ballot. We remain committed to helping citizens move forward toward greater opportunities and full participation in the democratic process.”

For more information about the event, expungement requirements, or voting preparation, please contact MCJ at 662-887-6570.

About the Mississippi Center for Justice:  

The Mississippi Center for Justice is a nonprofit, public interest law firm committed to advancing racial, economic, and social justice statewide. Through partnerships with local communities, MCJ develops strategies to combat discrimination and poverty while empowering citizens to take control of their lives.

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