Date of Conferral
2023
Degree
Ph.D.
School
Public Policy and Administration
Advisor
Michael K. Knight
Abstract
Most U.S. states have applied permanent restrictions on incarcerated individuals in custody for crimes more serious than misdemeanors. After the time is served and limitations are removed, the right to vote may not be restored to previously incarcerated individuals. The purpose of this basic qualitative study was to explore what nonprofit social service employees perceive to be barriers or facilitators to voter registration among previously incarcerated individuals. The social acceptance model provided the theoretical framework to support the study. Data collection was completed through a brief demographic survey and individual interviews with 15 nonprofit organizers in Ohio. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis to identify four themes: interest as it relates to voter registration, experiences trying to register, information obtained about registering to vote, and outcomes in this target population. Findings may be used to promote positive social change through a sense of empowerment and agency among previously incarcerated individuals by affirming their status as citizens with a right to vote. Findings may also be used to mitigate cases of stigmatization and marginalization among this population.
Recommended Citation
Nixon, Anthony J., "Nonprofit Social Service Employees’ Perceptions of Barriers or Facilitators to Voting Registration Among Previously Incarcerated Individuals" (2023). Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. 13651.
https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/13651
