Clean Slate: Mark the Time

One in three Americans have a criminal record, and long after having served their sentences, they are still restricted from access to basic life necessities like housing, education or a job. R/GA partnered with formerly incarcerated activist Zaki Smith and Clean Slate Act to unite voters with a powerful message.

Through this mural and campaign, we redefined what prison tally marks mean: What was once a symbol of days spent in prison now only illustrates how much more punishing life can be after prison.

The tangible result? 12 states approved the Clean Slate Act, expunging criminal records, to give formerly incarcerated individuals a second, and better chance.