Although this is an old news story, it proves to have a very controversial point. The right to vote has always been a right worth fighting for and many ex-felons are speaking up now. Felony disenfranchisement is a term used to describe the practice of prohibiting people (often times inmates and ex-felonies) from voting based on the fact that they were convicted for a criminal offense. The United States has more than two million people incarcerated meaning more than two million Americans (although they are criminals) do not have the right to vote. That is a large piece of opinion or voice unable to speak up for decisions regarding the government. In many states even ex felons (approximately 2.1 million) who have completed their sentence is still unable to vote. However, in 2007 in the state of Florida a portion of non-violent felony convictions will regain the right to vote for the first time in year.

This action to partially restore the right to vote to ex-felons is definitely a very important one. Although these Americans were once criminals, it does not mean their voice does not count. In the election of 2000, between Al Gore and Bush, a whooping 537 votes was the difference between the winner and the loser of the election. In the year 2000, nearly one million ex-felons (960,000) in the state of Florida were unable to vote. If they had the chance, the outcome of the election would probably have a lasting effect on our history today.

Source:
http://www.monstersandcritics.com/news/usa/features/article_1440395.php/After_jail_millions_of_US_ex-felons_lose_right_to_vote_Feature