Disenfranchisement and Rights Restoration: Spotlight on States

All states other than Maine and Vermont disenfranchise at least some Americans with a felony conviction, stripping millions of the right to vote. Some are now considering abolishing this practice altogether, as well as adopting other reforms. 2019 alone saw multiple states advance, adopt, or implement legislation to restrict or end felony disenfranchisement.
This series spotlights the way in which this system works within individual states, and the pathways to reform in each. Also, explore our state coverage of prison gerrymandering.

Jan. 2021: Oregon

Oregon Bill Would Enable People to Vote from Prison

Nov. 2020: California

Californians Approve an Initiative to Expand Voting Rights

August 2020: Massachusetts

In Massachusetts, the Democratic Party shifts toward supporting voting rights for all

August 2020: Iowa

Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds expands voting rights through an executive order

July 2020: Washington, D.C.

D.C. Councilmember Robert C. White Jr. at an event announcing the legislation
In a historic step for voting rights, D.C. abolishes felony disenfranchisement

May 2020: Nationwide

COVID-19 stalls grassroots’ plans to help people with felony convictions register to vote.

April 2020: Virginia

Legislation on felony disenfranchisement did not advance this year, but advocates are pressing ahead.

Dec. 2019: Kentucky and New Jersey

Kentucky and New Jersey restore the voting rights of 200,000 in one week. Advocates in both states vow further action.

Nov. 2019: Kentucky & Virginia

Tuesday’s elections boost voting rights for people with criminal convictions.

Nov. 2019: New York, Maine, & Vermont

A New York bill would abolish felony disenfranchisement. That would mean law enforcement is no longer the arbiter of who gets to exercise democratic rights.

Sept. 2019: Kentucky, Mississippi, Virginia

Elections could expand voting rights this fall. They will take place in an “intolerable condition.”

June 2019: Washington D.C.

Washington D.C. could abolish disenfranchisement this year.

May 2019: Maine

Maine Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap
“A Sliver of Light:” Maine’s secretary of state on how prison voting works in Maine

May 2019: Colorado & Nevada

A Double Blow to Disenfranchisement: Colorado and Nevada Adopt Reforms

May 2019: National

Interview: Bernie Sanders explains why he supports voting rights for all citizens

March 2019: Mississippi

Last reform bill dies in legislature. Might the state to emulate Florida in pursuing a popular initiative?

March 2019: Hawaii

Bill to end disenfranchisement stalls in Hawaii’s legislature. Advocates vow to press ahead.

Feb. 2019: Massachusetts

State organizers are working for disenfranchised Bay Staters to have a say in elections.

March 2019: Florida

Undercutting reform, Florida moves to ban certain people from ever voting again

See also: Our preview of Amendment 4

Feb. 2019: Iowa

Iowa moves toward expanding voting rights, but it may require a ‘modern day poll tax’

Jan. 2019: New Mexico

Can New Mexico provide a new model for reform? A new bill would end disenfranchisement.
Updates: Bill takes first step in legislature (Jan. 25), is later amended for a narrower scope (March 4).

Dec. 2018: Nevada

Nevada reforms its eligibility rules  But it will retain a system that is harsh by national standards and will bar large numbers of residents from voting.

Dec. 2018: Kentucky

“What kind of state is Kentucky, truly?” asks an organizer in a state where 26 percent of African Americans are disenfranchised.

Nov. 2018: Mississippi

10 percent of Mississippians are disenfranchised. What are avenues for change?