City Girls rapper JT frustrated she can’t vote in election due to felon status

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Rapper JT of the Miami-based duo City Girls has noted her frustration over not being able to vote in the upcoming presidential election because she’s a felon.

JT (born Jatavia Shakara) served 24 months in prison on fraudulent credit card charges before she was released late last year. 

She was jailed in May 2018 after turning herself into authorities. The rapper confirmed the news via Instagram Stories at the time, writing, “Did more than I thought I could imagine in this short period of time out on bond. Now it’s time for me to knock this down and come back strong forever. Hold my baby down y’all.” 

JT was out of prison in October 2019 and she celebrated by dropping a track titled “JT’s First Day Out.”

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As a felon, she is not allowed to participate in the Nov. 3rd election.

“As a felon I feel our votes should still count I mean I do still live here in America & pay taxes as well,” JT tweeted Sept. 29. Her post gained mixed reactions from fans. Many commented with alternative options and so-called laws that appear to give felons the green light to hit the polls — but JT wasn’t impressed. 

In a follow-up tweet she added, “You guys (I) can not vote! Thanks for all the pointers but I’m not allowed to this election. All other felons look into what option is best for you in your state! I apologize if y’all understood me wrong.”

One follower responded to the post, “I did 10 years flat from 2009 to 2019 starting when I was 19 and I wish I could vote and I wish I had the opportunity to find a job because it’s been hard for me to find employment very hard When u a felon a lot of sh*t is off the table.”

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Another fan suggested the hip-hop star get involved with the voting process by way of community outreach “to try and help people directly impacted” by the current civil unrest rocking the nation. 

The ACLU even weighed in on JT’s dilemma, writing ”We completely agree. Currently, SIX MILLION Americans are unable to vote because they are incarcerated, completing probation or parole, or have a past felony conviction. Our right to vote shouldn’t be taken away.”

There are reportedly 16 states that strip felons of their voting rights only while incarcerated. In 21 states, felons can’t vote while locked up or while on parole/probation. Individuals convicted for certain crimes lose their voting rights indefinitely in 11 states. Only Maine and Vermont allow inmates to vote while incarcerated, per Ace Showbiz.

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