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Collateral Consequences of a Collateral Penalty: The Negative Effect of Felon Disenfranchisement Laws on the Political Participation of Nonfelons

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  • Melanie Bowers
  • Robert R. Preuhs

Abstract

Objective. Felon disenfranchisement (FD) policies are said to not only prohibit (ex)felons from voting, but also reduce the political influence of particular groups that are most affected by FD laws. This study tests several hypotheses regarding the role of socialization on individual‐level political participation to examine the claims that nonfelons' probability of voting is reduced by strict FD laws. Methods. The study uses multilevel modeling and two separate individual‐level data sets of those registered to vote to examine the effect of FD laws on the probability of voting. Results. The findings demonstrate that strict FD laws reduce the probability of voting for blacks, but not whites, while the results are mixed for several other demographic groups. Conclusions. Beyond the direct removal of ex‐felons from the voter pool, FD policy can undermine the mechanism of political socialization, leading to potentially greater biases in the electoral arena than previously thought.

Suggested Citation

  • Melanie Bowers & Robert R. Preuhs, 2009. "Collateral Consequences of a Collateral Penalty: The Negative Effect of Felon Disenfranchisement Laws on the Political Participation of Nonfelons," Social Science Quarterly, Southwestern Social Science Association, vol. 90(3), pages 722-743, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:socsci:v:90:y:2009:i:3:p:722-743
    DOI: 10.1111/j.1540-6237.2009.00640.x
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Strate, John M. & Parrish, Charles J. & Elder, Charles D. & Ford, Coit, 1989. "Life Span Civic Development and Voting Participation," American Political Science Review, Cambridge University Press, vol. 83(2), pages 443-464, June.
    2. Robert R. Preuhs, 2001. "State Felon Disenfranchisement Policy," Social Science Quarterly, Southwestern Social Science Association, vol. 82(4), pages 733-748, December.
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    Cited by:

    1. Michael Leo Owens, 2014. "Ex-Felons’ Organization-Based Political Work for Carceral Reforms," The ANNALS of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, , vol. 651(1), pages 256-265, January.
    2. Hedwig Lee & Lauren C. Porter & Megan Comfort, 2014. "Consequences of Family Member Incarceration," The ANNALS of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, , vol. 651(1), pages 44-73, January.

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