Breaking Down Prop 17 With Dr. Kieckhaefer

Dr. Kieckhaefer is a Professor in the Department of Criminology at Fresno State. She teaches courses such as Psychology of Crime, Research Methods, and Forensic Behavioral Sciences. 

We discuss the effects of the recently passed Prop 17, which allows people who are on parole the right to vote.

“Research shows that parolees that are able to vote are less likely to commit a crime,” said Kieckhaefer.

This passing of this proposition also helps with racial inequalities that are often seen with people released from the system. Three out of four parolees are minorities and taking away their right to vote was quieting millions of voices.

Kieckhaefer believes that there is still is room for growth and even more change within the justice system as we progress forward.

“We’re the 20th state, allowing people to vote while on parole. We do actually have 2 states that allow people to vote while they are in prison, so that’s still something that may happen later,” said Kieckhaefer.