Felon Disenfranchisement

Felon disenfranchisement refers to laws that restrict individuals with felony convictions from voting. These laws vary by state, with some permanently disenfranchising certain individuals and others restoring voting rights after completion of sentence, parole, or probation. The purpose is often justified by concerns about character and eligibility, but these restrictions can disproportionately affect marginalized communities and reduce civic participation. Efforts to reform felon disenfranchisement aim to balance public safety with the importance of granting voting rights to returning citizens.