A First Step, a Second Chance: Public Support for Restoring Rights of Individuals with Prior Convictions

Abstract

Recent federal and state-level justice reforms have centered on “legal reintegration” (e.g., permitting expungement for a greater range of crimes and rights restoration). While scholarship has tapped public opinion of this approach, much of it predates recent reentry efforts. We see an opportunity to extend this literature by focusing on a contemporary sample ( N = 374) of residents living in Virginia, a state that recently considered such reforms. Results suggest most of the public supports expungement reform, but less than 40% support rights restoration generally, with approval levels dependent on specific type of restoration. Divides are explained by socio-demographic factors, particularly political ideology and race, as well as crime-related views. Implications are discussed.

A Second Chance in the Sunshine State: Religious Identity and Voter Support for Re‐Enfranchisement in Florida

“…Our sample is drawn from one state, Florida, which limits its generalizability; however, researchers have been calling for and using state-level surveys in examination of public policies (e.g., Nicholson-Crotty and Meier 2002). Specifically, Mancini et al (2020) point out the importance of examining public support as it pertains to felon disenfranchisement and other policy goals at the state level -where these policies are determined, as in the case with Florida. Future research should be conducted using other state samples and national samples, as criminal justice policies are made at both the state and federal levels.…”

“…Specifically, Mancini et al. (2020) point out the importance of examining public support as it pertains to felon disenfranchisement and other policy goals at the state level—where these policies are determined, as in the case with Florida. Future research should be conducted using other state samples and national samples, as criminal justice policies are made at both the state and federal levels.…”

“…In their study of the disenfranchisement of people with felony convictions, immigrants, and people who are homeless, Wilson et al (2018) consider social dominance orientation and racial resentment, perception of state voting laws, political ideology, completion of felony sentence, and demographics including race/ethnicity, education level, and family income. Mancini et al (2020) include sex, race/ethnicity, age, political ideology, education, parental status, and views on public safety as controls in a study of the attitude of Virginians toward the restoration of rights post-sentence (including voting rights). Racial perceptions and racial resentment (e.g., Wilson et al 2015), racialization of crime (e.g., Chiricos et al 2012), nature of the crimes committed (e.g., Dawson-Edwards and Higgins 2013b), belief in rehabilitation (e.g., Dawson-Edwards and Higgins 2013a), prior knowledge and awareness of felon disenfranchisement as a policy (e.g., Dawson-Edwards and Higgins 2013a; Heumann, Pinaire and Clark 2005), and support for civil liberties (Manza, Brooks, and Uggen 2004) have also been explored as predictors of attitudes toward felon disenfranchisement.…”

“…Mancini et al. (2020) include sex, race/ethnicity, age, political ideology, education, parental status, and views on public safety as controls in a study of the attitude of Virginians toward the restoration of rights post‐sentence (including voting rights). Racial perceptions and racial resentment (e.g., Wilson et al.…”

“…To test our hypothesis, we draw on data from Florida, a U.S. state with a record of punitive policies related to felon disenfranchisement. Given that individuals with felony convictions are subject to state laws governing their right to vote, it can be useful to examine state‐level data (e.g., Cain and Parker 2019; Mancini, McDougle, and Keegan 2020; Miller and Spillane 2012). In the state of Florida, approximately 1.4 million residents have been disenfranchised due to a felony conviction.…”