In the United States, the right to vote may not be abridged or denied by a
state or the federal government because of race, sex, or failure to pay a poll
[or head] tax. However, under the Fourteenth Amendment, states can deny the
right to vote to individuals guilty of "participation in rebellion, or other
crime." In 2006, more than four million Americans are denied the right to vote
as a result of laws that prohibit voting by felons or ex-felons. Except in
Maine and Vermont, prisoners cannot vote, and in 36 states, felons on probation
or parole are denied the vote. In 11 states, a felony conviction can result in
a lifetime ban long after the completion of a sentence. While each state has
developed its own process of restoring voting rights to ex-offenders, these
processes are often so cumbersome that few ex-offenders are able to take
advantage of them. Under current law, the federal government may not infringe
upon a state's authority to grant or rescind voting rights to prison inmates
and former felons.
This unit presents positions and arguments on whether ex-felons should be
permitted to vote. It provides background on the right to vote in the United
States and the history of denying that right to felons and ex-felons. This unit
also introduces a model for deliberating this policy question, called
"philosophical chairs," for talking about this and other controversial issues.
Focus Questions
Should Congress create a law to automatically restore voting rights to persons
once they have completed a felony prison sentence?
Should Illinois formally notify each convicted person of the restoration of
their right to vote upon release from confinement and formally notify all state
and local election officials of this right?
Objectives
Increase understanding about the history of voting in the United States and the
restrictions placed on persons convicted of felony crimes.
Provide a public policy context for the debate about voting rights for
ex-felons.
Introduce "philosophical chairs," a model for deliberating controversial issues.
Materials
A. Reading: Voting Rights for Ex-Felons
B. Activity: Voting Rights for Ex-Felons: A Human Graph
C. Handout: Voting Rights for Ex-Felons: A Human Graph
D. Activity: Sorting Out Positions on Voting for Ex-Felons
E. Deliberation Strategy: Philosophical Chairs on Voting Rights for Ex-Felons
F. Taking a Stand: Position Paper on Voting Rights for Ex-Felons
Voting Rights for Ex-Felons: Selected Resources
Last updated: June 27, 2006
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