Project Orange
Texas’ first jail-based voting initiative.
Project Orange, founded in 2017, is Texas' first jail-based voting initiative. This groundbreaking program empowers eligible incarcerated individuals to exercise their democratic right to vote. To date, we’ve registered over 5,000 eligible voters. Through education and advocacy, we navigate the complexities of voting from jail, ensuring that being detained doesn't mean being disenfranchised.
Key achievements and ongoing efforts:
In 2017, we won a campaign to bring our jail-based voting initiative to Texas’ largest jail.
In 2021, we spearheaded and won the fight to bring a polling location to the jail.
We're currently building a non-partisan justice-involved voter guide, available in both print and video formats to ensure accessibility for all learning styles.
We provide resources and support for voter registration, mail-in ballot applications, and electoral information.
Our initiative works tirelessly to dismantle barriers to civic participation.
As this is a big election year, we're intensifying our efforts to help justice-involved individuals meet the ballot. By championing the voices of this often-overlooked population, Project Orange upholds democratic principles and fosters civic responsibility that extends beyond jail walls.
Sign up to join us in 2024.
In the news…
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UPCOMING EVENTS
UPCOMING EVENTS
September 07
The Breakfast Klub
3711 Travis | Houston, Texas 77002
We're meeting at The Breakfast Klub to help people in line check their voter registration. This follows Governor Abbott's recent purge of over 1 million Texans from voter rolls. It's good practice for our September Project Orange jail outreach. We’ll have iPads with the Harris County Clerk’s page where folks can make sure their registration is up to date. We’ll also have trivia contests, games, and social media challenges to make the time go by. Be sure to RSVP so we know you’re coming. We’ll have a t-shirt for you.
We’ll be there from 10a-1p.
September 08
The Mosaic on Hermann park
5925 Almeda | Houston, Texas 77004
We're meeting to create educational voting content and record the video version of our justice-involved voter guide. This multi-format approach ensures our information is accessible to all. Join us if you'd like to be on camera or help edit the voter guide. Your participation will directly contribute to empowering voters, especially those who have been involved in the justice system, with clear, comprehensive information.
We’ll be there from 2:00 to 4:00 pm.
September 18
Harris County Jail Processing Center
1201 Commerce | Houston, Texas 77002
Join us for a transformative day as we bring Project Orange to local jails, where you'll help eligible incarcerated individuals exercise their right to vote. You'll assist with voter registration, guide people through mail-in ballot applications, and provide crucial information about upcoming elections and candidates. This eye-opening experience not only empowers those behind bars but also offers volunteers a unique perspective on civic engagement and the power of every voice in our democracy.
Email: ddouglas@houjustice.org for more information
We’re meeting at 10:00 am for a press conference.
“It all begins with an idea. Project Orange was my idea, and now, it’s a reality bringing democracy to more people than before.
We can change the world.
Together.
-Durrel Douglas, Houston Justice + Project Orange Founder
"Remember those who are in prison, as though you were in prison with them; those who are being tortured, as though you yourselves were being tortured." - Hebrews 13:3
"I coordinate Project Orange because I believe that every voice matters in our democracy, especially those often silenced by circumstance. By helping incarcerated individuals exercise their right to vote, I'm not just filling out forms – I'm helping to restore dignity, hope, and a sense of civic responsibility. It's about seeing the humanity in every person and affirming their role in shaping our community's future."
Tina Kingshill, Project Orange Coordinator
$14/Month
Houston Justice Advocates
Houston Justice Advocates is a community of dedicated supporters who fuel our mission of civic engagement and social justice. By contributing just $14 monthly, members become vital partners in our transformative work, including initiatives like Project Orange and our Street-to-Leadership Pipeline. Your consistent support ensures we can continue empowering voices, fostering leadership, and driving positive change in our community.
As a Houston Justice Advocate, you'll enjoy:
Exclusive quarterly newsletter with behind-the-scenes updates
Monthly exclusive meeting with our leadership team
Special recognition on our website and annual report
Personalized annual impact report showing how your contribution makes a difference
Invitation to annual Houston Justice Advocates appreciation event
Houston Justice t-shirt
Join Houston Justice Advocates today and be part of the change you want to see in Houston!