Social Justice

Voting Rights : A lifetime sentence for felons

Do you believe ex-felons should have their voting rights restored once they’ve served their time and parole?

Published

14 years ago

July 31, 2012

UVM Staff

Voting Rights : A Lifetime Sentence For Felons

Photo by cottonbro

Do you believe persons with felony convictions should have their voting rights restored once they’ve served their time and parole?

According to a study released this month by the Sentencing Project, about 7.7 percent of the African American voting-age population is disenfranchised, compared with 1.8 percent of the non-African American population.

In Virginia, Kentucky and Florida, felon disenfranchisement affects a staggering one in five African Americans.

The underlying question is, why have states disenfranchised persons with a felony who’ve served their sentences, paid their dues and rejoined their communities with hardening voting rights?

Real stories. Real impact. Straight to your inbox. Join thousands others. Click here to subscribe to our newsletter today!

Discover more from Unheard Voices Magazine®

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Related Topics:voting rights

Up Next

After much speculation, Oscar Grant movie begins filming

Don't Miss

Obama Launches Educational Initiative For Black Americans

UVM Staff

Unheard Voices, an award-winning, family-operated online news magazine, began in 2004 as a community newsletter serving Neptune, Asbury Park, and Long Branch, N.J. Over time, it grew into a nationally recognized Black-owned media outlet. The publication remains one of the few dedicated to covering social justice issues. Its honors include the NAACP Unsung Hero Award and multiple media innovator awards for excellence in social justice reporting and communications.