Recorded presentation

Ernest Drucker, PhD¹, Ricardo Barreras, PhD¹, Jennifer K. Lin, MHS², and Doug Ford, JD³. (1) Epidemiology and Population Health, Montefiore Medical Center, 111 E 210 St, Bronx, nyc, NY 10467, 718 920 4766, emdrucker@earthlink.net, (2) Research & Evaluation, The Fortune Society, 53 W. 23rd St., 7th Fl., New York, NY 10010, (3) Physicians for Human Rights, 100 Boylston Street, Boston, NY 02116

Background: Felony disenfranchisement ( loss of the right to vote following a felony conviction) affects 3.6 million Americans , including 1.4 million black men ( >40% in some states) who have permanently lost their right to vote, even though they have served their sentences. Despite similar rates of illicit drug use , black males are incarcerated (and disenfranchised) for drug offenses at 40 times the white rate.

Methods: Interviews of 53 felony drug offenders released from NYS prisons within the last two years asked about registration and voting before and after incarceration. The sample was typical of NYS inmates : male=78%; mean age=40 (23-62); 59% African American, 27% Hispanic.

Results: Registration and voting rates were comparable to those of similar populations in the general electorate: 32 (60.4%) had registered to vote prior to their incarceration and 24 (45.3%) had voted. Among 18 who completed their sentences and parole ( i.e. were now eligible to re-register and vote) post release registration declined from 72% to 39% and voting from 39% to 17%.

Conclusions: Disenfranchisement appears to lower registration and voting rates after completion of sentence. These results suggest that convicted felons might vote at similar levels to the general population, if allowed to do so; support the need for education and advocacy in high incarceration communities; and underscore the validity of litigation challenging felony disenfranchisement associated with racial disparities in drug enforcement.

Learning Objectives: To understand the data and implications of felony disenfranchisement in black communities.

Learning Objectives:

• To understand the data and implications of felony disenfranchisement in black communities.

Keywords: African American, Politics

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

Recorded presentation