Felony disenfranchisement is the practice of those convicted of a felony losing their right to vote. Although this practice is not unique to America, our country allows each state to choose the extent of disenfranchisement that individuals may face upon conviction. This policy creates mass discrepancies in the restoration of rights for those formerly convicted of a felony. Current laws range from zero voting consequences to permanent disenfranchisement which causes confusion, and worse, extreme racial disproportionality in those who are disenfranchised. To combat the unequal suffrage in this country, it is necessary to implement federal regulation regarding felony disenfranchisement laws. In order to accomplish equality in opportunities among those formerly convicted of a felony, all states must begin to restore voting rights once an individual is released from incarceration. 

Madelyn would like to thank Congresswoman Bush for helping spark her interest in felony disenfranchisement, by agreeing to discuss this topic with her freshman year for an English project. She eventually moved on to intern for the Congresswoman the following year. Madelyn cannot believe how full circle of a moment this is by presenting her capstone on the same subject she began working on during her first year at SLU.