Poly Sci

Introduction

On average 5.85 million Americans are unable to vote due to laws that prohibit voting by convicted felons (The Sentencing Project, 2016). Felony Disenfranchisement eliminates voting rights for 1 out 13 African Americans. It is a hindrance to engage in democratic life, which is intensified by racial differences. America represents 5% of the world’s population, and holds 25% of the world’s prisoners (The Sentencing Project, 2016). The law varies between states. Vermont and Maine allow prisoners to vote, as of 2014, data from the Sentencing Project suggests that every other state, including Washington, D.C., have implemented some type of disenfranchisement as a punishment for a felony (The Sentencing Project, 2016). Twelve states have completely removed the right to vote. Within the 12 states voting rights are striped even after their sentence has been served and debt to society is paid, they can never vote again (The Sentencing Project, 2016).

Historical Relationship

Government Role

Rectifying Progress

Shift in Power

Conclusion