Anne Barron, Published in The Star-Ledger on 10/23/2005

To clarify the misleading headline on your Sept. 27 editorial "Let ex-offenders vote," people with prior convictions have the constitutional right to vote in New Jersey. Unfortunately, far too many believe they have lost the right to vote. This is not true. Any ex-felon or ex-offender can register to vote and vote (if registered) on Nov. 8.

The ACLU-NJ is contesting the state's denial of voting rights to those still under state supervision but on parole and/or probation. You rightly note that one purpose of parole and probation is successful reintegration. Eighteen states recognize the right of parolees and probationers to vote, as do most other democratic nations.

The U.S. remains one of the few democracies that allow people who break the law to be stripped of their voice. The American Correctional Association has called on states to recognize that the exercise of one's political voice is an important part of rehabilitation. In response, several organizations, including ours, have established the Unlock the Vote Campaign in New Jersey that calls for the democratic participation of all citizens in their community.