What is Felony Disenfranchisement?
The act of prohibiting people from voting based on the fact that they have been convicted of a felony or other criminal offense.
why is this a problem?
The Restoration of Civil Rights can be a significant part of the rehabilitation of criminal offenders and can assist them in reentry into society. The government cannot deny a citizen of their civil rights, like the right to vote.
Racial minorities are overrepresented in the felon population by based upon factors that cannot be explained by non-racial reasons, because of this less minorities are being represented when they vote.
Racial minorities are overrepresented in the felon population by based upon factors that cannot be explained by non-racial reasons, because of this less minorities are being represented when they vote.
Florida Felony Disenfranchisement laws:
In Florida, individuals convicted of a felony are stripped of their civil and voting rights, even after completion of their sentences. It takes a decree by the governor or a clemency board to restore a person's voting rights, and only after a predetermined waiting period and all fines and fees are paid can an individual submit an application.
This predetermined waiting period varies based
on the severity of the felony previously committed. A less severe felony warrants
a minimum of five years. A more serious felony such as murder, rape, drug
trafficking, etc., warrants seven years of waiting (ACLU). A person who was
found guilty of drug trafficking and is mandated to wait seven years before
applying for clemency can loss the opportunity to vote in multiple elections.
"The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude"
The Constitution of the United States
Amendment 15 Section I