Millions of Americans are denied vote rights

The United States has more prisoners than ever before about 6.1 million men and women. The fundamental democratic right to vote for these lawbreakers differs greatly from the state to the state. In some countries, such as Florida, the former prisoners wait for years to win back with the possible vote.

And Vermont is one of two American states that allows current prisoners to exercise the right to vote. America's Voice correspondent Catherine Gypson tells us of the impact these voters may have with limited rights in the American local and national elections.

The state of Vermont gave Dan Close a second chance after making an unforgivable mistake.

If you're an American citizen, you should have the right to vote, whether in jail or not, says Mr. Close.

He is one of millions of people throughout the country who have the right to vote after being found guilty in his case of drug charges. Mr. Close lives in one of two American states, Vermont and Maine, allowing prisoners to vote.

People get it for good. It's a right to feel it when it's removed”, says Mr. Close.

But the progressive approach of the state of Vermont for voting is not so popular here.

“pays the price of losing freedom”, says Richard Perry, resident of Vermont.

14 American states automatically restore the right to vote on convicts released from prison.

At least that's what's supposed to happen.

“Once a person re-integrates society and becomes a contributing member of it, I think you should return all your rights”, Andrew says. Kingsbury, former prison system employee.

That's not what's going on with Yradia Guanipa. Her drug sentence in Florida ended years ago, but she says she's still being punished.

No one can imagine how painful it is. Now I can't even vote. I don't even know if I can ever vote”, says Yradis Guanipa, former convict in Florida State.

It is only one of 4.7 million convicts across the United States who cannot vote. Along with seven other former convicts, she has indicted the state of Florida for processes to restore the right to vote.

“They apply unclear standards, such as: have you transformed your life; have you shown enough regret ? So, what can be worth one person, you don't do for another”, says Jon Sherman, of the Law Network for the Elections of Rights.

In Florida it is about 1.5 million voters -- a considerable percentage in a very important state for presidential elections. Recognition of these differences among American states for restoring the right to vote for convicts is part of a debate over voting rights, ongoing debate on the eve of elections for the American Congress.

Polls show that the majority of Florida voters support an initiative to change the process of restoring the rights of convicts.

In the meantime, in the state of Vermont, Mr. Close is eager to vote in Congress elections.

The “is just one vote, but it can make the difference”, he says.

...it's an opportunity he doesn't take easy. / VOA