Half A Million Felons Allowed To Vote?

In Tennessee, a recent adjustment in policy is impacting nearly 500,000 individuals, introducing greater challenges for those with felony convictions seeking to regain their voting rights, as reported by Newsweek.

A significant 2023 decision by the Tennessee Supreme Court has been interpreted to mean that felons looking to restore their voting privileges must now obtain a pardon or have their complete citizenship rights reinstated, which includes the right to bear arms. This interpretation marks a departure from the previous process, where individuals with felony convictions in Tennessee could regain voting rights by settling outstanding debts and obtaining a “certificate of restoration.”

The repercussions of this policy shift have not escaped criticism. Blair Bowie, the director of Campaign Legal Center’s Restore Your Vote, expressed dissatisfaction with the state’s handling of the issue. In addressing The Associated Press, Bowie highlighted concerns, stating, “The Elections Division, in collaboration with the Attorney General’s office, appears to be interpreting the law in ways that hinder the intent of the Tennessee Legislature to establish meaningful pathways for voting rights restoration. This has the effect of preventing 475,000 Tennesseans, including over 20% of voting-age Black Tennesseans, with past felony convictions, from exercising their right to vote.”

The practical implementation of these changes has led to a substantial decline in the number of felons successfully regaining their voting rights. Post the policy alteration, only one person out of 60 applicants has managed to have their voting rights reinstated.

In defense of the policy shift, Mark Goins, Tennessee’s coordinator of elections, articulated, “When someone commits a felony in the state of Tennessee, that person forfeits the right to vote in future Tennessee elections. The Legislature provided a path for those who committed a felony and seek to regain the right to vote.” Despite this perspective, concerns persist about potential disenfranchisement, raising questions about the state’s commitment to ensuring a fair and accessible voting process.