Restoring voting rights: evidence that reversing felony disenfranchisement increases political efficacy

Millions of American citizens are denied the right to vote due to their criminal record. This study finds evidence that restoring the right to vote causes formerly disenfranchised individuals to develop higher levels of internal and external efficacy, generating citizens who are more confident in their own abilities and have stronger tendencies toward democratic engagement. A field experiment is embedded within a panel survey conducted before and after a statewide election in Virginia. All subjects are American citizens with a felony conviction who were once disenfranchised, but are now either eligible to vote, or are eligible to have their voting rights restored. Experimental treatments provide information about recent changes in restored voting rights, along with varying information and assistance with voter registration and turnout. The treatment that included a mobilization element generated the highest levels of efficacy. Additionally, the treatment that only included information about restoring voting rights also generated significant increases in political efficacy on its own. Thus the study finds novel evidence that the right to vote directly increases political efficacy.