Re-examining the Collateral Consequences of Felon Disenfranchisement in the U.S

Abstract

Extant literature on felon disenfranchisement has generally focused on the justicity of disallowing felons to vote and its implications for social stratification in the United States. Punishment for crimes does not often end with sentence completion. Post-conviction restrictions block felons' access to economic, social, and political opportunities long after they have paid for their crimes. Some studies have demonstrated that felon disenfranchisement affects the African American community disproportionately. However, there is a paucity of studies on the study of the possible effects of felon disenfranchisement on election outcomes. During presidential elections, millions of Americans with felony convictions are denied the right to vote. It is estimated that up to five million felons were denied the right to vote in the 2020 presidential election. This paper examines how felon disenfranchisement might affect presidential election outcomes and its danger to equal citizenship and democracy.