Date of Conferral

2023

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Public Policy and Administration

Advisor

Mark Gordon

Abstract

From Black individuals being enslaved and freed to being incarcerated in modern-day society more frequently than White individuals, the desire to have a voice in the decision-making process has been challenging. Black voters in Mississippi may be underrepresented because of felony disenfranchisement laws. The purpose of this general qualitative study was to examine the lived experiences of Black Mississippians about felony disenfranchisement laws and voting rights. The first research question addressed perceptions of Black Americans in Mississippi regarding the felony disenfranchisement laws. The second research question addressed the experiences related to any political implications among the electorate in Mississippi. The social construction framework was identified as the framework for this study. Data were collected from face-to-face interviews with 11 previously incarcerated individuals and residents of Holmes County Mississippi, as well as political officials of Mississippi. The results revealed a profound lack of knowledge among Black citizens in Holmes County Mississippi regarding the Mississippi felony disenfranchisement law and its effects on the Black community. The study also revealed a lingering turmoil of voting rights for Black Americans. Results may be used to facilitate positive social change in Mississippi by challenging political officials and citizens to reexamine disenfranchisement laws in Mississippi and the precepts of the U.S. Constitution. This study may also inspire community leaders to address the ongoing criminal activities that affect the voting rights of individuals in the Black community.

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