Opinion: Restoring voting rights for non-violent felons – A step toward justice and equality

Nearly two centuries ago, the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution abolished slavery but introduced a provision that unintentionally perpetuated a distinct form of inequality.  The amendment reads, “Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States.”

This clause, aimed at addressing issues related to punishment, denies a specific segment of the population, non-violent felons, the right to participate in the democratic process

Let me be clear. Everything I talk about today only applies to non-violent felons. These individuals have committed fraud, embezzlement, or tax evasion but have not caused physical harm to others. These individuals have served their time and should not be permanently denied their right to participate in our democracy. By continuing to deny them the right to vote even after they have served their time, we undermine the very principles of rehabilitation and reintegration that our justice system is supposed to uphold. 

The impact of denying voting rights to non-violent felons is deeply intertwined with the issue of racial disparity in the criminal justice system. Communities of color are disproportionately represented within the incarcerated population, resulting in a significant number of individuals from these communities being denied a voice in our democracy. This perpetuates the cycle of systemic racism that has plagued our nation for generations, standing in stark contrast to the ideals of freedom and equal rights that the United States purports to uphold.

Millions of Americans, as of 2022, are disenfranchised due to past criminal convictions. Among them, a substantial proportion have completed their sentences but remain barred from voting due to state laws restricting voting rights for individuals with criminal records. The burden falls disproportionately on Black Americans, with 5.2% of the adult Black population unable to vote compared to 1.7% of non-Black voters. This staggering disparity speaks volumes about the systemic biases that persist within our society.

The historical context of this issue adds another layer of urgency to its resolution. The roots of disenfranchisement can be traced back to the Jim Crow era, where tactics were employed to suppress the voices of people of color. While progress was made during the Civil Rights Movement to dismantle these barriers, subsequent policies during the Nixon and Reagan eras led to mass incarceration, disproportionately affecting non-violent offenders. This paradoxical approach suppressed the very voices that were meant to be heard, disproportionately impacting communities of color.

Restoring voting rights to non-violent felons is not only a matter of justice but also a step towards addressing historical wrongs. By allowing these individuals to participate in the democratic process, we provide them with the opportunity to influence policies that directly affect their lives. It is a way to break the cycle of disenfranchisement that has persisted for too long and a chance to rectify the systemic racism that continues to plague our nation.