The Prison Vote: Trump’s Surprising Support among Incarcerated Americans

In a survey, over 54,000 incarcerated individuals across the U.S. have shared their political views, challenging common assumptions about voting preferences behind bars. The Marshall Project’s latest poll reveals unexpected support for Trump among prisoners, despite his tough-on-crime stance.¹

With the 2024 election approaching, this survey offers a rare glimpse into the political landscape of America’s prisons and jails.

As voting rights for formerly incarcerated people continue to evolve, this survey comes at a crucial time. With nearly millions of Americans disenfranchised due to felony convictions, the political opinions of those behind bars carry significant weight.

Trump’s Unexpected Popularity

Despite his punitive approach to criminal justice, Donald Trump enjoys substantial support among incarcerated individuals, particularly white men.

Enrique Banda-Garcia, a prisoner in Washington State, notes, “Trump remains very popular here, especially among the whites.” This unexpected backing comes even as respondents acknowledge Republicans’ tough stance on crime.

The survey reveals that racial segregation within prisons significantly influences political views. White inmates tend to favor conservative news outlets like Fox News and Newsmax, while Black inmates prefer CNN or MSNBC.

This media consumption pattern are crucial in shaping political opinions behind bars.

The Independent Streak

Interestingly, a large portion of incarcerated individuals identify as independents, mirroring trends in the general population. However, unlike their counterparts outside prison walls, half of these independents lean towards neither major party.

This independent streak poses a challenge for Democrats, who make up only 18% of respondents.

Many respondents express dissatisfaction with both parties. Some criticize Democrats for focusing on Trump’s felony convictions in their campaign strategy, while others reject Biden for his role in the 1994 crime bill.

Harris faces scrutiny for her prosecutorial background.

Harris & the Prospect of a Woman President

The survey also gauged opinions on Kamala Harris and the readiness for a female president. Surprisingly, incarcerated respondents’ views align closely with those of the general electorate.

About 79% of Democrats and 34% of Republicans behind bars believe the country is ready for a woman president, mirroring outside polls.

However, support for Harris herself is mixed. Respondents are evenly split in their favorable and unfavorable views of the vice president. Her record as a prosecutor plays a significant role in shaping these opinions, with many viewing her as “tough on crime” rather than progressive.

The Impact of Felony Disenfranchisement

The survey highlights the ongoing issue of felony disenfranchisement in the U.S. With millions of Americans unable to vote due to criminal convictions, the political views of those behind bars take on added significance.

Many respondents express frustration with the stigma associated with felony convictions and its impact on their reintegration into society.

As the 2024 election approaches, understanding the views of incarcerated individuals becomes increasingly important. With millions of Americans affected by felony disenfranchisement, the political opinions of those behind bars could have far-reaching implications for future elections and policy decisions.

This survey challenges our assumptions about political affiliations and voting preferences among incarcerated populations. It highlights the complex interplay of race, media consumption, and personal experiences in shaping political views behind bars.

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Source:

1. The Marshall Project