Revoked to Vote- The Sad Truth On Felon Disenfranchisement When people think of the word “felony,” they picture serious acts against humanity; such as, assault with a deadly weapon and murder, not “infamous crimes” like possession of fireworks without a license, or possession of a fake ID (Hull 5). Crimes that involve acts of violence and brutality actually account for about four percent of felony convictions, however, many hear the word “felony” and assume the people who commit them are maniacs who achieve pleasure from others pain (Manza and Uggen 8). Citizens are being classified as felons for acts of vagrancy and stealing minor things, like wool and edible meats (Hull 5). The term felon disenfranchisement is used to describe a felon’s…show more content… Citizens who support felon disenfranchisement lean on a couple major concerns; the integrity of the ballot and the possibility of electoral fraud (Sigler 1727). These assumptions are made by people who have a say in who governs them, whereas, those who have been convicted of a felony and served their time are required to remain speechless. Ex-felons participate in many of their duties as citizens after serving their time; such as, paying taxes, maintaining a job, and being active in the community, but lack a say in how their affairs are governed (Hull 5). By adding an extra day to a 365 day sentence, making it 366, a misdemeanor changes to a felony and the integrity of the wrongdoers vote becomes questionable. Elizabeth Hull, the author of “Disenfranchisement of Ex-felons” argues that legislators tack an extra day onto the end of a sentence just to prevent “undesirables” from casting their vote (6). Felons should have a say in who governs them, especially, when they still participate in the duties that are required of citizens. Disenfranchisement is being used to prevent undesirables from voting and stripping citizens of voting rights and equal
