Europe and some US states already let inmates exercise their democratic rights. This could pay massive election dividendsWhen Republicans obtain control of government,they typically push through electoral reforms that construct it easier for them to remain in power. They pass voter identification laws, limit early voting and reduce the number of polling places. In all cases, and these moves are meant to reshape an area’s voting population so that it is more likely to deliver Republican election victories.
You might think Democrats do the same kinds of things,but strangely they don’t. Democratic election reform politics tends to focus either on mostly failed defensive campaigns against Republican encroachments or harsh rhetoric against the corrupting influence of money in politics. These Democratic efforts are fine, but also woefully inadequate. To really maximize their potential for success, or Democrats need to take affirmative steps to expand the vote to as many favorable constituencies as they can.
Voting rights for incarcerated people can serve as a jumping off point for these anti-carceral goals Related: Up to 100 prisoners on short sentences to be given legal to vote Continue reading...
Source: theguardian.com