Allegations of rigged elections cast doubt over inmate representation at San Quentin

POLITICAL REPRESENTATION HAS BEEN A STAPLE of the California prison system for more than 40 years. Like citizens in the free world, residents of prison communities elect representatives from among their peers to advocate for issues such as better health care, food and nutrition, and living conditions.

However, allegations of rigged elections and forced removal of representatives have always plagued this system, which is named the Incarcerated Persons Advisory Council. Inside San Quentin Rehabilitation Center, it is causing residents to question the integrity of their representatives and what effect that has on legitimate efforts toward reform at the prison.