5.8 million Americans can't vote because of their criminal records

[n2doc]

Most states prohibit people from voting while in prison for a felony. Even if someone isn't physically incarcerated, if they're serving a criminal sentence for a felony conviction, they're probably not allowed to vote. Twelve states make it illegal for some people with felony convictions to vote even after they've finished their sentences.

As a result, according to the Sentencing Project, 5.8 million American citizens have lost their voting rights through the criminal-justice system. And one in every thirteen African-American citizens has lost his or her right to vote this way.

This map, compiled by the Sentencing Project based on 2012 data, shows which states have disenfranchised the biggest shares of their electorates:

The map shows that just disenfranchising people who are currently serving sentences for felonies doesn't have nearly as much of an effect on the electorate as disenfranchising people after they've finished their sentences. All but two states — Maine and Vermont — make it illegal for people to vote from prison if they've been convicted of felonies. Thirty-five states prohibit people from voting if they're on parole after being released from prison, and 31 make it illegal for people to vote who are on probation for a crime (even though they may not have gone to prison at all).


map at link, plus more:
http://www.vox.com/2014/10/5/6906875/state-prisoner-voting-law-felon-disenfranchisement-map-virginia

[valerief]

1. And that's part of why the US imprisons so many people, especially

people who might vote Dem.

[yeoman6987]

6. When I was younger, I thought this was perfect

Why have a rapist get voting rights back or a pediphile or possibly a murderer. Now I have soften my beliefs to nonviolent criminals after finishing up probation should be able to vote.

[valerief]

8. I agree. I think I've read half of the convictions are for drug possession anyway.

That's non-violent. I want to see some stoner be able to vote.

[PDJane]

2. Currently, in Canada, if you are a citizen, you can vote.

Even if you are incarcerated, they can't remove your franchise.

[nc4bo]

7. I just had the thought since prisons system are benefiting from

Slave labor of the inmates, often charging them daily for the privilege of incarceration, along with time spent behind bars or under probation; these people are actually paying debt to society x2 or x3.

The profits the prisons make are enormous, not much different from the slave labor in countries like China, India, etc. with the slave labor paid pennies to a dollar or a crust of bread.

We have to do better than this. Canada has it right.

The current crop chickensh#t Dems would never touch this issue with a ten foot pole even though the cause is right and what is happening, wrong.

[nc4bo]

3. Despicible!

Ok, I can understand the ineligibility to vote while incarcerated but after you've served your time, paid your debt to society, there is no reason a person can not vote.

Those who've not had their voting privileges reinstated should also be exempt from say.....paying taxes of any kind.

Has the stench of Republican all over it.

Grrrr.

[n2doc]

4. The tax exemption would get every 1%er begging to be convicted of a felony! n/t

[nc4bo]

5. Really. They'd probably wear as a badge of honor.

5.8 million people is a helluva lot of potential voters, enough to make a difference in an election.

We suck as a society, we really do.

[yesiwasacop]

9. I am against most felons getting their right to vote re-instated because

If we re-instate one right, we will then have to restore other rights such as......................................................................................................gun ownership! Yea lets do that.


Just think, if we restore these rights, then these guys guy right here will be voting right alongside of them after they get released early for good behavior...oh and they can go buy a gun too...

http://www.memphisflyer.com/NewsBlog/archives/2014/10/01/former-mpd-officer-sentenced-to-11-years-for-raping-college-student

http://www.northwestgeorgianews.com/rome/news/local/former-cave-spring-police-officer-sentenced-to-years-on-child/article_805e4ccc-effb-11e3-8e9b-001a4bcf6878.html

http://whiteprisongangs.blogspot.com/2009/05/nazi-low-riders.html

There are many more and most of them are not ex cops