Defending Democracy
How Thousands of Mississippians Could Get Their Right to Vote Back
In August, the 5th Circuit struck down a Jim Crow-era provision of the Mississippi Constitution that permanently disenfranchised Mississippians with certain felony convictions. The 2-1 opinion held that the provision violates the 8th Amendment’s prohibition on cruel and unusual punishment.
Paloma Wu of the Mississippi Center for Justice and Hannah Williams of Mississippi Votes join Marc Elias to discuss Mississippi's harsh felony disenfranchisement law, how it affects people on the ground and the innovative lawsuit fighting for these communities.
Support the work of the Mississippi Center for Justice and Mississippi Votes
Resources:
Alert: 5th Circuit Strikes Down Mississippi’s Jim Crow Era Felony Disenfranchisement Provision
Mississippi Votes' Rights Restoration page
Hopkins v. Horsemann Case Page
"The Supreme Court Allows a Relic of White Supremacy To Remain in Mississippi’s Constitution" by Rob McDuff
Felony Disenfranchisement, Explained
For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@democracydocket.com.
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- Broadcast on:
- 15 Sep 2023