For a decade, ex-felons in Tennessee seeking restoration of their right to vote have had that right held hostage by a state-imposed financial obligation.
But if justice prevails, passage of a bill pending in the legislature would allow ex-prisoners who have completed their felony imprisonment to regain their right to vote in time for this year’s general election.
They have a potentially valuable ally: Prison Fellowship, a nonpartisan and nonprofit organization founded by Charles Colson after he served time in prison following a federal obstruction of justice conviction during the Watergate era.
The group has released a study, “An Overview of Voting Rights for Ex-felons,” some of which applies directly to the Tennessee law that needlessly punishes ex-felons even after their release.
It merits the attention of the governor and legislators.