The Legal Eagles Legal Brief: The Case Of A Felon's Right To Vote

In their article, "Convicted Felons Deserve The Right To Vote," Fellner & Mauer mention Supreme Court Justice's Thurgood Marshall's response to the case of Richardson v. Ramirez.

Thurgood Marshall stated: "It is doubtful...whether the state can demonstrate either a compelling or rational policy interest in denying former felons the right to vote. [Ex-offenders] have fully paid their debt to society. They are as much affected by the actions of government as any other citizen, and have as much of a right to participate in governmental decision making. Furthermore, the denial of a right to vote to such persons is hindrance to the efforts of society to rehabilitate former felons and convert them into law abiding and productive citizens."