The Benefits of Voting Rights for Justice-Involved Americans

Hola Sunday Morning Coffeeites! What a cool, crisp, lovely fall morning in the Mid Atlantic. I hope you’re somewhere enjoying fall with your favorite warm beverage. Here in the U.S., we’re deep in a national election. Whether you claim to care about it or not, you’re in it. Why care about politics? Dana Pierangeli, a columnist for the Michigan Daily, puts it eloquently:” The people who are elected, the laws that are passed, every action made possible by politics, affects your everyday life dramatically.” Not caring about politics is a privilege that many people around the world aren’t allowed to enjoy. Think about that. We live in a place where, up til now at least, we can just toss our head, spit in the wind, and say, nonchalantly, “I don’t care.” Other countries had that privilege too…until they didn’t.

The right to vote is foundational in a democratic society, but sometimes, politics will determine who can and cannot access that foundation. The ACLU reports “a patchwork of state felony disfranchisement laws, varying in severity from state to state, prevent approximately 5.85 million Americans with felony (and in several states misdemeanor) convictions from voting.”

Allowing people with felony convictions and incarcerated individuals to vote expands civic engagement, supports community reintegration, and strengthens democracy. While opinions on this issue vary, research and experience highlight the positive impact of including more voices in our electoral process. Here’s a look at some key benefits:

1. Promotes Reintegration and Reduces Recidivism

One of the most significant benefits of voting rights for individuals with felony convictions is its potential to aid in successful reintegration into society. Studies have shown that civic engagement can foster a sense of belonging and personal responsibility, both of which are crucial for reintegration. When individuals feel they are part of a community and have a stake in its future, they are more likely to align their behaviors with societal norms.

Additionally, states that support voting rights for individuals with convictions have noted lower rates of recidivism, which benefits society overall. By promoting positive engagement, voting rights can help reduce re-offending rates, lowering incarceration costs and contributing to safer communities.

2. Expands Civic Engagement and Representation

Every citizen contributes to the fabric of society, and people with felony convictions are no exception. Voting gives these individuals a voice in the laws and policies that impact their lives, from criminal justice reform to housing, employment, and healthcare. Allowing those with felony convictions to vote ensures that decisions are made by a broader, more representative electorate, leading to policies that more accurately reflect the needs of the entire population.

Expanding voting rights also benefits communities heavily impacted by incarceration, many of which are disproportionately low-income or made up of marginalized groups. When these individuals participate in elections, the needs of these communities are more likely to be addressed, creating a positive feedback loop that benefits all citizens.

3. Strengthens Democracy

One of the cornerstones of democracy is the idea that all citizens have a say in how they are governed. A democracy that excludes certain groups of people is inherently limited. Allowing individuals with felonies or those currently incarcerated to vote strengthens democracy by making it more inclusive and ensuring it reflects a wider spectrum of perspectives and experiences.

Countries around the world, including Canada, South Africa, and several European nations, already allow incarcerated individuals to vote, considering it a fundamental right. These democracies recognize that everyone has a stake in the society they live in, regardless of their current circumstances.

4. *upports Family and Community Stability

Incarceration has a profound impact not only on individuals but also on their families and communities. When a person with a felony conviction or an incarcerated individual has the right to vote, it can positively impact their family and social circles. Voting can be a bridge that keeps individuals connected to society and provides a path for constructive involvement.

Studies show that individuals with voting rights tend to stay more informed about societal issues, which can inspire positive changes within their families and communities. This engagement helps break cycles of disconnection and alienation, encouraging future generations to participate in civic life and build stronger communities.

5. Encourages Criminal Justice Reform

Allowing individuals with felony convictions and incarcerated individuals to vote also provides an avenue for reforming the criminal justice system itself. Many directly impacted by the system have unique insights into its challenges and can advocate for meaningful, informed reforms. Giving them a voice in the democratic process creates an opportunity for the justice system to evolve in ways that reflect lived experiences, which can result in policies that are fairer and more equitable.

I’ve been thinking a lot about the privileges we’re afforded in our country, and about the times and ways in which politics withdraws them. My research lately has taken me to understanding the act of redlining in American cities, mulitiple political ccoup d'é·tats visited on a small nation, and the lack of representation from justice-involved and justice-impacted individuals in the U.S. and around the world. Fascinating, and depressing, research laced with a good dose of hope that we can do better.

Cheers, ya’ll, and (you had to know this was coming)…exercise your privilege and go vote.