Connecticut became a state on January 9, 1788 and is known to have the highest per capita income among all states, with $36,775 as an average. Connecticut’s capital, Hartford, has a population of around 125,017 as of 2013.
Connecticut has an understandably smaller prison population compared to larger states, with their total inmates adding up to 16,025. 14,941 of them are male and 1,084 are female.
By restoring a convict’s right to vote, he will have an improved relationship with the state. This may also further convince him to join the majority who were able to improve their relationships in the community.
Can Felons Vote in Connecticut?
A felon is defined as one who commits a crime that may be penalized with state prison for a year or longer.
If one is classified as such, then he will be unable to vote since convicted citizens in Connecticut will be withdrawn the right to vote. It is only after they finish their sentence that they can become eligible voters.
However, ex-convicts earn their right to vote again as long as they do not get themselves into any other crimes and sentences.
Those who are on parole are also deemed unable to vote until they are released from their parole or confinement.
How Felons Can Restore Voting Rights in Connecticut?
People who have committed crimes punishable by state prison and are incarcerated or put on parole will have to do the following to restore their right to vote:
- Finish their current sentence.
- Obtain a voter registration card which they must fill out after their release from prison.
- Submit the card to the Office of Registrars.
By law, the felons who finished their time and took care of all other penalties are welcome to vote again and must re-register. With the loss of their right to vote as they were convicted comes the need to renew this right once they are released.
Sources
http://www.ct.gov/doc/cwp/view.asp?a=1505&q=265598
http://www.sots.ct.gov/sots/lib/sots/electionservices/hava/havapdf/the_ultimate_freedom.pdf
