Allowing felons to vote would encourage political discussion and participation.

Most states allow felons with proper credentials to practice law, but few have admitted anyone to the bar who has committed a homicide.

Decades of lobbying have loosened laws, allowing felons to regain gun rights often with little or no review.

The system allowed convicted felons to leave prison for short periods.

Occupations that are licensed by states also have restrictions on allowing felons to work in them.

State law allows convicted felons to earn one day off their sentences for every two days of good prison behavior.

It also does not allow felons, unlawful drug users or illegal immigrants to handle such materials.

In 1975, that law was amended to allow felons who complete their prison sentences or probation to register to vote.

New Jersey does not allow felons on probation to vote.

The governor had never taken a position on allowing felons on probation to vote.