Disenfranchisement: A Continuing Problem in the United States

Introduction

Disenfranchisement is the revocation of a person's right to vote. This action is often practiced when a person has been convicted of a felony. Not only does felony disenfranchisement prevent more Black citizens from voting, it also affects the overall health of the community.

Historical Context

Felony disenfranchisement laws were part of the push after the Civil War, particularly in the South, to limit civil rights for African Americans. These laws were designed to prevent Black people from participating in the political process and to maintain white supremacy.

Current State of Affairs

Today, people incarcerated for felony convictions lose the right to vote in most of the US, but specifics vary. In 1976, there were an estimated 117 million people disenfranchised. By 1996, that number had risen to 334 million. In 2010, an estimated 585 million people were disenfranchised.

Felony disenfranchisement laws have a disproportionate impact on Black Americans. In 2016, Black people were more than four times as likely to be disenfranchised as white people.

Consequences of Disenfranchisement

Disenfranchisement has a number of negative consequences, including:

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It undermines democracy by preventing people from having a say in who represents them.

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It exacerbates racial inequality by preventing Black people from participating in the political process.

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It harms communities by reducing civic engagement and making it more difficult to address social problems.

Conclusion

Felony disenfranchisement is a serious problem that has a negative impact on democracy, racial equality, and community health. It is important to raise awareness of this issue and to work towards restoring voting rights to all Americans.