[View the story "Life after prison" on Storify ]Life after prison A Florida study finds felons with voting rights are less likely to do more time. Storified by AJAMStream · Mon, Feb 17 2014 14:48:20
Every year, 650,000 inmates are
released from prison. For those who have been convicted of a felony, reintegration into society is filled with
obstacles . For instance, today there are an estimated 5.8 million Americans
unable to vote due to prior felony convictions. Many more - depending on the state of residence - have trouble receiving financial assistance from their state because of their criminal records.
Cassie, a mother from California, describes her experiences trying to
re-acclimate after serving time.
Cassie talks about her life after jailsandiegoreader
According to a 2011 Pew
study , more than 40 percent of ex-convicts return to prison within three years of their release. The numbers fluctuate between states. One contributor to recidivism is the difficulty that comes with attempting to secure a post-prison job.
CUZ IM A FELON I GOT DENIED A JOB TODAY. I WANTED THIS JOB SO BAD. ITS COOL THO. ON TA THA NEXT ONE.KARMA FIASCO
.@JimmyPrinceton I don't understand how a felon with a job is a bad thing. Don't we WANT them to be productive citizens?Kelly
We live in a country of second chances, but yet, a felon can't get a job. Gotcha #peoplearesonaive #mericabennypiejr
Some online point out that the employment barriers before felons are jusitified.
@Bennypiejr actions have consequences. If you have a job opening and two people apply,--one has never been in trouble and has contibuted ..Matt Refice
@Bennypiejr 2 society their whole life,and the other committed a felony @ 20 & has been in jail for 10 years-you're going to hire the felon?Matt Refice
A movement is underway across some parts of the U.S. to "
ban the box ," meaning that public employers would be barred from asking about felony convictions prior to the interview stage. This would allow a formerly incarcerated person an opportunity to discuss their past face-to-face with the employer. Ten states have already
made this move.
Next witness shares how he too has been unable to find employment because of his criminal record #banthebox http://t.co/fdU7uKYuNxDC EJC
When Minneapolis banned the box, employment of people with criminal records went from 6% to 60% #banthebox http://t.co/6KQiXiEuxyJudd Legum
DC must #BanTheBox to make sure no one is condemned to lifelong unemployment. Read the factsheet: https://t.co/fAjLxTRjP2Zach Komes
In February, Attorney General of the United States Eric Holder
alluded to another obstacle ex-felons must deal with in some states: a lack of voting rights. In a speech given at Georgetown University, Holder directed criticism at "Nevada and 10 other states," saying that such laws disproportionately affect racial minorities. Many online agreed with Holder's take.
@TheAtlanticPOL @TheAtlantic I vote for voting and a shift in states policies away from vengeance towards rehabilitative forgiveness.Hal Collier
@TheAtlanticPOL @TheAtlantic Absolutely. Felons are the most violently affected by government policy so they should have a say in it.Forrest Ranger
Others disagree, arguing that voting is a privilege reserved for those who have not committed a felony.
No right to vote for felons. If someone breaks the law to the point that it's a felony, their voting privilege should be taken away forever.Randy Clemens
Voting is a privilege just like driving. Both should require a photo ID and can revoked. Its a privilege and not a right, just ask a felon.~Mental Floss~
#TheFive Voting is a privilege that felons forfeit. Who wants a felon on a jury to potentially convict another?Jamie Donahue
ACLUajamstream
A 2011 report by the Florida Parole Commission found that "11% of individuals whose civil rights were
restored during the calendar years 2009 and 2010 had returned to prison." This stands in contrast with the nation's overall recidivism rate of 40%. Another way counties and states have dealt with the issue is by increasing
education opportunities. Ohio, for example, reduced recidivism rates by more than
60 percent among ex-inmates who completed a degree during their incarceration.
Completion of bachelor's degree lowers recidivism to 13.7 percent: http://t.co/Gtt732V2 by @feedingfaith via @OpenSocietyKatarina Gray-Sharp
Exactly!“@arneduncan: If we want to stop cycles of crime + violence we must invest in education for the incarcerated http://t.co/oRzmxcGfnm”Brandon Cardet
Many online offered suggestions on how to reduce recidivism.
There's an 80% recidivism rate, yet nobody demands that prisons provide data on outcomes to keep their funding! @prisonculture #BeyondOBRBrienne of Snarth
We must reform our criminal justice system, reduce recidivism, & invest in the future of our youth. We must be boldTurki AL-Ghamdi
Vermont Senator Patrick Leahy weighed in:
Making it easier for prisoners to stay in touch with their families & friends is key to reducing recidivism. http://t.co/nTSUFkOidPSen. Patrick Leahy
The Stream asked its community if prison adequately prepares re-entry to society. Most said that it does not.
@AJAMStream That's like asking if banks adequately prepare customers to live free of debt. Prison system loves their #CashCow. #AJAMStreamMustafa Saied
No & we all suffer as a result. @AJAMStream: Does prison adequately prepare inmates for re-entry to society? #AJAMStreamWil Gafney
@AJAMStream they prepare them, but not adequately. You either become fed up on your own, or you are just getting a break from it.Faheem
How do you think society can best reintegrate ex-felons? Tell us using #AJAMStream.
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