Reforms Allow More Ex-Felons to Vote, but Numbers of Disenfranchised Remain Unchanged

Interview with Ryan King, policy analyst with the Sentencing Project, produced by Melinda Tuhus

As Americans get ready to head to the polls Nov. 7, some members of society will be allowed to vote for the first time since serving their sentences for felony convictions. In a new report, the Sentencing Project, based in Washington, D.C., explains that some states have repealed the harshest prohibition, which was a lifetime ban on voting for ex-felons. Other states are moving to allow ex-felons to vote once they leave prison, even while still on parole or probation. Two states, Maine and Vermont, even allow incarcerated felons to vote by absentee ballot from their prison cells. On the other end of the spectrum, two states that used to allow prisoners to vote -- Massachusetts and Utah -- have withdrawn that right in recent years.

The Sentencing Project believes that one's criminal status should have no impact on voting rights. The group advocates for polling places to be set up at all prisons to enable felons to vote, just as all other citizens have that right.

Between The Lines' Melinda Tuhus spoke with Ryan King, policy analyst with the Sentencing Project. He describes some of the voting restrictions that have been lifted, then explains why the total number of disenfranchised individuals has remained steady at 5.3 million despite reforms.

Call The Sentencing Project at (202) 628-0871 or visit the group's website at

www.sentencingproject.org

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