Policymakers at the state and federal level should reconsider these policies in light of legitimate correctional objectives and the democratic interests served by recognizing the right to vote of all sectors of the population. The right to vote can only be restored by a pardon from the governor. In 1996 and 1997, only 359 people were able to regain the ability to vote. Arizona has disenfranchised 74,600 adults, or 2.3 percent of the adult population. But the rate is five times higher for black men, of whom 12.1 percent have lost the right to vote.
First offenders have their right to vote restored automatically after they complete their sentence.
Offenders who have been convicted of more than one offense can only get the right to vote back by waiting at least two years after release from prison and applying to the court or by obtaining a pardon from the governor. Delaware has disenfranchised more than 20,000 people, or 3. 7 percent of the population. One in five adult black men cannot vote in the state of Delaware. The only way they can regain their voting rights is to obtain a pardon from the governor.