Bars should not bar right to vote

If one of the purposes of prison is rehabilitation, then it's important to let every soul behind bars vote.

Just two states, albeit among the smallest, Maine and Vermont, follow that humane principle. No one has yet to point out one iota of harm from such inclusion. The remaining 48 practice some form of disenfranchising backwardness, from a tad less progressive to abominable:

DC-HI-IL-IN-MA-MD-MI-MT-ND-NH-OR-PA-RI-UT

Only those in prison can't vote

CO-CA-NY-CT

Folks in jail or on parole can't vote

AK-AR-DE-GA-ID-KS-LA-MN-MO-NC-NE-NJ-NM-OK-SC-SD-TX-VA-WA-WI-WV

Those in prison, on parole or on probation can't vote

AL-AZ-MS-NV-TN-WY

Some people with felony convictions are permanently disenfranchised

FL-IA-KY

All people with felony convictions are permanently disenfranchised

I'm reminded about this sad state of our states regarding felon disenfranchisement with the bit of great news from Virginia governor Terry McAuliffe that 206,000 former Virginian felons can now vote.  As great as that is, about 5,000,000 former felons are still barred from the ballot box. The other millions in prison, on parole or probation must also be given the franchise if we want to truly begin the rehabilitation process and reduce recidivism.