The Violence of Voicelessness: The Impact of Felony Disenfranchisement on Recidivism

Abstract

In 2010, nearly 5.3 million American citizens were unable to vote because 2 ,3 of a collateral consequence ftrom a felony conviction known as disenfranchisement. The political disenfranchisement of ex-felons is not accomplished through applying a provision within the United States Constitution or of any federal statute, but is instead administered at the discretion of state legislatures. In light of this state-bystate approach, there is considerable variation in how disenfranchisement is imposed throughout the country. The severity of disenfranchisement runs the gamut from allowing incarcerated prisoners to vote (Maine and Vermont) to prohibiting voting rights to those who complete their sentences.6 Even though disenfranchisement is a consequence of a felony conviction, courts have generally considered it to be