Abstract
This paper seeks to understand the persistence of disenfranchisement policies and the disproportionate impact these policies have on marginalized groups of the American electorate, specifically black Americans. Felon disenfranchisement, or the restriction of voting rights for criminals convicted of felonies, has been a long-standing policy throughout the United States. Using public opinion data from the 2014 General Social Survey (GSS), this paper analyzes how certain characteristics, such as race, age, and political party identification, can influence opinions about democratic rights and whether criminals should lose theirs once convicted. The results of this analysis could help explain why disenfranchisement policies have persisted throughout U.S. history, especially if these policies have consistently high levels of support from the general public.
Thesis Completion
2021
Semester
Spring
Thesis Chair/Advisor
Wright, Kenicia
Degree
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
College
College of Sciences
Department
School of Politics, Security, and International Affairs
Degree Program
Political Science
Language
English
Access Status
Open Access
Release Date
5-1-2021
Recommended Citation
Jaffe, Rebecca, "The Persistence and Disproportionate Impact of Felon Disenfranchisement" (2021). Honors Undergraduate Theses. 945.
https://stars.library.ucf.edu/honorstheses/945