Today Project Vote is pleased to announce the latest release in our 2010 Issues in Election Administration series, Restoring Voting Rights to Former Felons.
In all but two states, citizens with felony convictions are prohibited from voting either permanently or temporarily, though the momentum seems to be slowly shifting towards re-enfranchisement. With many states taking steps to expand access for former felons in recent years, the Democracy Restoration Act currently pending in Congress, and an increasing number of legislators and advocates calling for restoration, the time may be right for this important issue.
This new policy paper explains the inconsistent ways in which states regulate or prevent voting by former felons, summarizes legal challenges to disenfranchisement, and explores how disenfranchisement unfairly disadvantages minority communities. It concludes with policy recommendations for fair and consistent felon re-enfranchisement laws.
We hope that you will find these materials useful, and use them to advocate for positive changes in your own jurisdiction.