A New Dawn for Democracy: Restoring the Voice of Every Nevadan

Dear Friends and Supporters,

As we gather this spring, a season of renewal and hope, we also celebrate Easter—a time that, in the tradition of liberation theology, reminds us of the power of resurrection, redemption, and the collective struggle for freedom and dignity. Today, I want to share with you a deeply personal journey and a vital message for our campaign: the critical importance of restoring voting rights and building a truly inclusive democracy in Nevada’s Second Congressional District.

My Journey: From Hardship to Hope

I am the only truly independent Democratic candidate in this race, and my lived experience sets me apart. Like too many in our community, I was swept up in the tidal wave of economic inequality during the Great Recession. Wall Street’s reckless actions in 2008-2009 caused millions of Americans to lose their jobs, their savings, and their sense of security. I was among them. As economic doors closed, I found myself taking the only job available—a position in a company that turned out to be a boiler room operation, designed to defraud both employees and investors.

This led me into the criminal justice system, a system that too often criminalizes poverty and compounds injustice. I was angry, heartbroken, and, for a long time, believed I would never vote again. This was a double blow: first, economic hardship, and then the loss of my most basic democratic right. But even in those darkest moments, I resolved to keep fighting, to mobilize others to vote, and to advocate for a more just society.

Restoring Voting Rights in Nevada: A Story of Courage and Progress

Thankfully, Nevada’s lawmakers acted with courage and compassion. In 2019, the Nevada Legislature passed Assembly Bill 431 (AB431), which restored the right to vote to Nevadans with felony convictions upon release from prison. This law recognizes that democracy is strongest when everyone has a voice, and that the journey to redemption and reintegration should not be hindered by permanent civic exclusion.

Legal Disclosure: This newsletter is not legal advice. If you or someone you know has been impacted by the criminal justice system, please research your eligibility to vote or consult a qualified professional. AB431 means that, for most, voting rights are automatically restored upon completion of their sentence, including parole or probation.

If you have a felony conviction, I urge you to check your status and make your voice heard. Our democracy needs you.

Why This Matters: Voting Is a Human Right

As a progressive candidate, I firmly believe that formerly incarcerated individuals should exercise their right to vote. To take away the right to vote is, in effect, to double down on inequality. In the United States, we have seen time and again how poverty is criminalized, and then those who are punished are further excluded from political participation. This is not just unjust—it is anti-democratic.

The United States has one of the highest rates of incarceration in the world. Each person behind bars is a member of our community, a neighbor, a family member. To lock people out of the voting booth is not only a violation of human rights; it is also economically short-sighted. When we strip people of their rights, we undermine their ability—and their motivation—to fully participate, contribute, and thrive. Restoring voting rights is a step toward healing, inclusion, and genuine public safety.

From Incarceration to Representation: Why My Perspective Matters

My experience has taught me that redemption is possible and that the voices of directly impacted individuals are needed in Congress. Too often, those who write the laws have never lived with the consequences of those laws. I am running to change that. We need leaders who understand—from the inside—the ways in which our economic and criminal justice systems intersect to perpetuate cycles of poverty and disenfranchisement.

A Call to Action: Rise Up and Vote!

This Easter, as we celebrate the promise of resurrection and new beginnings, let us also commit ourselves to the liberation of every Nevadan’s voice. Liberation theology teaches us that true freedom is achieved when the oppressed and marginalized are restored to full participation in society. In that spirit, I call on you—whether you have never lost your rights or have just regained them—to stand with me, to register, to vote, and to ensure that our democracy reflects the will and the wisdom of all its people.

Let us move forward, together, toward a future where no one is left behind and every voice counts. This is our resurrection moment—let’s make it real at the ballot box.

With hope and solidarity,

Gamaliel “Gamy Zavala Enriquez,
Independent Democratic Candidate for Congress, Nevada’s Second District

P.S. If you or someone you know needs information about voting rights restoration in Nevada, please visit the Nevada Secretary of State’s website or consult local legal resources.

This newsletter is a testament to the power of redemption, the necessity of inclusion, and the promise of a better tomorrow. The time to act is now. Let’s build a Nevada—and an America—where justice, dignity, and democracy prevail for all.