Graduation Year
2024
Date of Submission
12-2023
Document Type
Open Access Senior Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelor of Arts
Department
Government
Reader 1
Shanna Rose
Terms of Use & License Information
Rights Information
© 2023 Maeve M Conte
Abstract
This paper examines the disenfranchisement of formerly incarcerated people and the steps by which they can participate in civic society again. It delves into the history of these laws, both in the United States and abroad, and the philosophies behind disenfranchisement. It then uses Florida’s Amendment 4 as a case study in current debates surrounding voting rights. After a literature review on voting, it assesses the voting population inside prisons in states that allow it and includes policy recommendations for these states. This thesis also applies interventions from the literature review to reduce the cost for formerly incarcerated people. Ultimately, notifying people of their right to vote is the most cost effective and politically feasible policy to make a sizable difference in voter registration and turnout amongst formerly incarcerated individuals.
Recommended Citation
Conte, Maeve, "Reclaiming Democracy: Examining Disenfranchisement Laws and Policy Recommendations to Restore Voting Rights for Formerly Incarcerated People" (2024). CMC Senior Theses. 3451.
https://scholarship.claremont.edu/cmc_theses/3451
