Felon disenfranchisement laws take away the right to vote for people in prison convicted of a felony in 48 states. 14 of those states restore the right to vote as soon as the person leaves prison. However, laws in 34 states continue to bar ex-offenders from voting even when back in their community, sometimes for life.

An estimated 5.3 million Americans are currently barred from casting a ballot as a result of a felony conviction. More than three million have already completed their prison sentence and rejoined society.

Racial disparities in conviction rates create a perverse effect on the electorate. 13% of black American males are currently locked out of the voting booth. Three in ten of the next generation of African American males can expect to lose their right to vote during their lifetime.

-Restoring ex-offenders’ right to vote helps them to reintegrate into society and gives them a political channel to express their concerns.

-Studies show that the recidivism rate is lower for ex-offenders who are participating in elections. Participating in civic enterprises like voting is rehabilitative; it can reduce the future likelihood of crime.

-Voting allows communities deeply impacted by crime to regain their political footing by increasing the number of eligible voters - and thus power and health - of these communities.

-Widely varying disenfranchisement laws mean states have different standards for who can vote, potentially skewing results in national elections for president, US Senate and Congress.