Across the country, 5.3 million Americans are denied their right to vote because they have a criminal conviction on their record (“Rights of voting for criminals"). In the state of Florida, a felon cannot apply for restoration of their voting rights until at least five years after serving their sentence, with no guarantee that their rights will be restored. Violent and repeat criminals have not proven themselves to be good citizens; however, non-violent criminals, who have committed victimless crimes, should be able to regain their rights when they have served their sentences and paid their fines. Non-violent criminals would have a better chance of rehabilitating into society because they could vote in elections, be rehabilitated, and become full members of society again. Since felons are not allowed to vote, 5.3 million people are not. authorized to go to the polls during an election, whether national or local. All these votes could really affect an important election, especially the presidential vote. In her article, Forgotten Citizens Must Regain Their Right to Vote, Sasha Abramsky states that one in four black men in much of the South are unable to vote, [along with] a high percentage of poor whites and Latinos. As a result, the electorate is reduced; as it diminishes, election results do not reflect the full will or needs of the people. Allowing nonviolent felons to vote again would increase the number of people voting and better reflect the needs of the population. There are ways to prevent many people from losing their rights. Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul suggested reclassifying crimes like drug possession and failure to pay child support in the middle of the document......on the ballot - ProCon.org. " ProConorg Headlines. ProCon.org, February 12, 2014. Web. April 10, 2014. Uggen, Christopher and Jeff Manza. "Why Felons Should Vote?" Status of Felon Disenfranchisement in the United States, 2010." The Sentencing Project News - The Sentencing Project, August 20, 2012. Web, February 28, 2014. "Parole and Re-Entry - Right on Crime." Right on Crime. Texas Public Policy Foundation and Justice Fellowship, nd Web, February 28, 2014. “Resources for Successful Reentry After Incarceration.” Robin. rehabilitation » California Health Report, January 22, 2014. Web, February 28.. 2014.