sentencing project

July 17, 2015 - A new report examines the well-being of state democracies and finds that seven of the nation's 10 least healthy are in the South. We take a look at barriers to voting across the region.

November 3, 2014 - Almost six million Americans are disenfranchised due to convictions for felony offenses, and their votes could sway races in at least nine states with neck-and-neck races for U.S. Senate or governor.

November 22, 2013 - Rep. Trey Radel (R-Fla.) gets a slap on the wrist for coke possession. Black and Latino men and women don't get off so easily.

May 31, 2013 - Republican Gov. Bob McDonnell unveiled a plan this week to automatically restore voting rights to nonviolent felons in a state where one in five African-American adults is disenfranchised due to an unusually harsh law. Civil rights advocates praised the move, but some say the governor should go further.

July 17, 2012 - A new report finds that more than 4 million Southern citizens are blocked from voting by laws that deny citizenship to those with a felony on their record. In a state like Florida, it could tip the election.