extention of electoral franchise

prisoner voting why important ?

Voting is a fundamental democratic right which should not be removed except in the most extreme circumstances

When did prisoner voting ban happen

UK prisons lost voting rights under 1983 representation of the people act

Why is denying prisoners vote issue

Participation in election key aspect of citizenship, denying prisoner the fore undermine principle of universal suffrage

Why is banning prisoner voting loss of liberty

Because prisoners are still subjected to law and decision made by parliament so should have a say on their governance

What’s the benefit of allowing prisoner voting apart from it being fundamental democratic right

Allowing prisoner to vote may support rehab and reintegration into society

How does enabling political participation help prisoners

Maintain sense of civic responsibility and connection to democratic process. Encourage engagement with issues like employment education justice reform, reduce reoffending by reinforcing idea that prisoners are still member of society

Ruling of Sc that criticised UK blanket ban on prisoner voting

Hirst v UK 2004

Why is extending prisoner voting good in terms of ECHR

Extending franchise to prisoner serving shorter sentence would bring UK into closer alignment with international human rights norms, strengthen legitimacy of democratic system