The definition of democracy seems to be a little inaccurate when it comes to the prisoners of the United States. Our country suppressed the voting rights of about 6.1 million people in the 2016 elections, depriving 1 out of 40 (nearly 2.5 %) citizens from casting a vote.

Felony disenfranchisement has been made a part of the Maryland state constitution. Historic legislation was passed to end the lifetime disenfranchisement of 50,000 individuals who had completed their incarceration, making Maryland the 14th state to have this kind of passed law. Voting is an inherited right and should apply to all state residents, irrespective of status or color, as described in many constitutional amendments.

Since its inception, the United States has not allowed inmates to have a voice in elections, except in two states where it was permitted. 14 states would eventually go on to provide voting rights to their released prisoners, including Maryland. Sen. Bernie Sanders, a Vermont citizen, suggested that everyone should be entitled to voting rights during incarceration and after. He stated, ”Voting is inherent to our democracy, yes even for terrible people.”

Banning voting rights to inmate citizens is similar to stripping them of citizenship. The United States has the oldest and most consistent democracy with the most modern and brief constitution. As such, voting rights should not be prohibited for prisoners as they are still citizens of the state. The state cannot disown them on behalf of their charges of offense. The state should treat them like the citizens they are.