In Alabama, some felons, though solvent of all their debts to the state, return to free society as partial citizens, unable to participate in the democratic franchise. [1] Their crimes cover a wide severity of offenses, which fall under the vague category of “moral turpitude.” [2] Alabama allows felons to regain eligibility to vote if they fully complete the original terms of sentence, fees and fines included. [3] These vague definitions of qualifying crimes and fine print attempts at trapping weary felons in voting limitations prevail across the country—not just in the Cotton State—and are unusually and harmfully prohibitive to those attempting a healthy return to citizenship. Permanent felon disenfranchisement and abusive restorative policies for felons rejoining the fold are harmful, and an untenable infringement on American voting rights and democracy. Though opportunities exist for bringing about redress for millions of those without suffrage, especially involving applications of the Equal Protections clause of the 14th Amendment.

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