48 states in the US have laws that to a greater or lesser extent prohibit convicted felons from voting in elections.
An analysis conducted by The Sentencing Project concluded two years ago that 4.4 million Americans are affected by these laws.
This corresponds to around 2 percent of the US’s eligible voters, but in states such as Alabama and Tennessee, over 8 percent of those eligible to vote are denied participation in federal elections.
Three out of four who refuse to vote have either finished their sentence or have been released on probation.
Florida tops the list with over 1.1 million convicted felons who are denied the vote, often because they cannot afford to pay a court fee that would have given them back the right to vote.
Over 930,000 convicts who have completed their sentences in Florida are not allowed to vote, despite the fact that in a referendum in 2018 it was decided that they should be given the right to vote back.
Different frames
The ban on voting affects very different people.
5.3 per cent of blacks of voting age are refused to take part in elections because they have been convicted, while the proportion among other US residents is 1.5 per cent.
In the seven states of Alabama, Arizona, Florida, Kentucky, South Dakota, Tennessee and Virginia, more than 10 percent of all blacks are denied the right to vote because they have a criminal conviction.
Over half a million Latinos, 1.7 percent of those eligible to vote in this voter group, are also not allowed to go to the polling stations for the same reason.
Can’t decide
Convicted criminals are not the only ones who are not allowed to participate in deciding who will be the next president of the United States.
More than 3.5 million people living in the US territories of Puerto Rico, Guam, the Virgin Islands and the Northern Mariana Islands also have nothing to say, pointed out The Hill recently.
In American Samoa, the residents have American citizenship, but they are also not allowed to vote in this year’s presidential election.
Immigrants
The United States is home to close to 50 million immigrants, and barely half of them have been granted American citizenship with the rights it entails, shows an overview from Pew Research Center.
Around one in four have been granted permanent residence, while 4 per cent have been granted temporary residence. These do not have voting rights.
23 percent of immigrants, around 11 million, are so-called unauthorized immigrants and have no formal rights. This despite the fact that many of them have lived in the USA for several decades.
Conspiracy theories
Although claims and conspiracy theories have been put forward from several quarters, primarily Republicans, that a large number of illegal immigrants vote, studies show the opposite.
Donald Trump claimed after the 2016 election that he won despite “millions voting illegally”, but without providing evidence for the claim.
Brennan Centre examined a number of electoral districts in 2016 where a total of 23.5 million votes were counted. Among them, only 30 cases were found where it was suspected that people without the right to vote had cast their vote, but without this being able to be determined with certainty.
Thought smithy Cato Institute drew the same conclusion after the 2020 election and stated that it could not be demonstrated that many illegal votes were cast.
No evidence
Also ahead of this year’s presidential election, Trump and his supporters have made allegations that a large number of immigrants vote illegally, which is allegedly happening at the urging of the Democrats.
The conservative think tank The Heritage Foundation have claimed the same, but neither they nor others have been able to provide evidence for the claim.
And Washington Post analyzed the database of the think tank, they found only 85 cases of such illegal voting in the last 20 years.
A study conducted by The American Immigration Council found only ten cases since the 1980s.
Should have wanted
The last time the United States elected a president, left just over 158 million Americans vote and turnout was stated at 66.8 per cent.
Close to 100 million Americans of voting age did not cast a ballot, something many of them wished they could have done.
Millions of others living in the United States and the so-called American territories should wish the same when the United States elects its next president on November 5.
#Millions #Americans #denied #vote
**Interview with Dr. Emily Hartman, Voting Rights Advocate**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Hartman. Let’s start with the recent changes in Iowa regarding voting rights restoration for felons. How significant is Executive Order 7 in the context of national voting rights?
**Dr. Hartman:** Thank you for having me. Executive Order 7 is a monumental step in the right direction. It reinforces the notion that once individuals have served their time, they should be reintegrated into society, including regaining their voting rights. Given that 48 states still have laws that restrict voting for felons, Iowa’s move could inspire similar actions in other states, particularly those with more stringent policies.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned that nearly 4.4 million Americans are affected by laws that restrict voting rights for felons. What are the broader implications of this disenfranchisement?
**Dr. Hartman:** Disenfranchisement not only affects individuals but also strangles the democratic process. It disproportionately impacts marginalized communities, particularly Black and Latino populations. For instance, in states like Alabama and Tennessee, the figures are staggering, with over 8% of eligible voters denied the right to vote due to felony convictions. This creates a cycle of exclusion that can shape policy and representation at both local and federal levels.
**Interviewer:** In Florida, many felons can’t vote due to unpaid court fees, despite a referendum supporting their voting rights restoration. What does this say about the intersection of economic barriers and voting rights?
**Dr. Hartman:** It highlights the stark inequalities in our system. When voting rights are tied to the ability to pay fees, it essentially turns citizenship and civic engagement into a privilege dependent on one’s financial situation. This system disproportionately affects individuals from low-income backgrounds, perpetuating systemic inequality. It’s a form of economic disenfranchisement that we must address.
**Interviewer:** Research indicates that many people who have served their sentences and are eligible to vote still choose not to. What strategies could be employed to encourage participation?
**Dr. Hartman:** It’s crucial to raise awareness about voting rights and educate those who may feel disillusioned or unaware that they can vote. Initiatives could include outreach programs in communities, partnerships with advocacy groups, and accessible resources that clarify voter registration processes. Creating a culture of engagement is essential, so individuals understand their voices are powerful and needed.
**Interviewer:** how can we advocate for broader change on voting rights at the national level?
**Dr. Hartman:** We need to push for comprehensive voting rights legislation that protects and expands access to the ballot for everyone, including those with felony convictions. Grassroots mobilization, advocating for fair policies, and holding elected officials accountable are key. We also need to challenge misinformation around voting and ensure that everyone’s vote counts, irrespective of their past mistakes.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Hartman, for your insights on this critical issue affecting millions of Americans and the fabric of our democracy.
**Dr. Hartman:** Thank you for having me. It’s an important conversation, and I appreciate the platform to discuss it.
