JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT) - MS Votes is doing its part to encourage people to go to the polls as election season approaches.

This week, the organization is hosting the Democracy in Action Convening with multiple panels discussing different topics surrounding voter education.

MS Votes focuses on strengthening access to the polls and educating people on their right to vote, especially young voters.

“A lot of people think that because you got pulled over, or because you have fines, tickets or you got arrested, that you can’t vote, and that’s not the case,” MS Votes Policy and Engagement Strategist, Jarrius Adams said.

MS Votes is working with state and local representatives to get nonviolent crimes removed from this list.

“When they get out, they still got to pay taxes. The mayor still serves them. The governor still serves them. The president of the United States is still going to be their president, so being involved in the political process is something those folks should be involved in,” Adams said.

Civil rights activist, Joan Trumpauer Mulholland, believes voters need to keep pushing forward, especially ahead of this year’s presidential election.

“We’re moving backward on voting. States and all are making laws and change,” she said. “You need a say in what happens, who’s in office. We have differing opinions on the people running, and irrespective of which one opinion you support, which candidate you back, you need to support them.”

Saturday is the last day of the Democracy in Action Convening.

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