HELIOLITH

Since we’re on the topic, I thought I might add that the NYT had another interesting article about black suffrage (which I still can’t believe was only won as recently as 1965). The article links black disenfranchisement to felon disenfranchisement, citing two recent studies. Many states prevent felons from voting, even if they have completed their sentences or probation obligations. Oftentimes, it seems, voters are unaware of their right to vote, and miss out on the opportunity because they are misinformed.
One disturbing aspect of the issue arises from the institutionalized racism whereby more blacks are arrested and charged on drug charges than whites who commit the same drug-related crimes, in spite of the fact that whites are equally likely to commit those crimes. (Many of the participants were charged with drug felonies.)