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Author: rlou

A recent study from the Sentencing Project estimates that over 5.1 million Americans cannot vote because of felony convictions. Felon disenfranchisement laws vary from state to state. Only two states (Vermont and Maine) allow convicted felons to vote while in prison, while the remaining 48 states deny felons voting rights until they are released from prison, complete their sentence, or permanently. These laws have a disproportionate effect on African-Americans and Latinos.Visit CNN to learn more.Click here to read the Sentencing Project's full study.Image courtesy

Political opponents and voting rights activists have expressed concern over President Trump and his campaign’s call for poll watchers to monitor polling places throughout the country. Opponents and activists claim that such calls could lead to voter intimidation and suppression, while the Trump campaign claims poll watchers are needed to ensure fairness and reduce fraud, despite the fact that there is little evidence of widespread voter fraud in the United States. Visit The Hill to learn more.

Georgia voters are facing technical difficulties and long lines as early voting for the general election begins. Some voters reported waiting in line for up to 10 hours, but many have also reported being in good spirits and determined to have their vote count. Georgia has historically been a Republican stronghold, but both the U.S. Senate and Presidential elections are close and could result in a Democratic victory. Visit the The Guardian to learn more. Image credit: Getty / Elijah Nouvelage / Stringer