Should Voting Be Able To Vote?

Voting is an essential part of a democratic society where persons who are able should be allowed and provided the opportunity to vote (Developments in the Law, 2008). The opportunity to vote should be afforded to all persons, including those who have a serious mental illness. Lawn et al. (2014) states the being able to vote is a core part of being a citizen and could play a role in helping persons with mental illness recovery. By being able to vote, persons with serious mental illness can feel included in the society where they hold citizenship which could positively benefit their mental health. Unfortunately, for the tens of millions of individuals who have a serious mental illness; voting could be restricted by archaic, vague, and derogatory language found within state laws and policies.
In 2013, there were an estimated 10 million persons treated for serious mental illness (Substance Abuse, 2014). Serious mental illness for Substance Abuse (2014) is defined as 18 or older adults who, in the previous year, had a diagnosable behavioral, emotional, or mental disorder which significantly impaired their major life activities and resulted in functional impairment. This 10 million person estimate does not include individuals who are homeless, on active military duty or living in an institutional setting …show more content…
Corrigan, Markowitz & Watson (2004) researched stigmas which intentionally restrict opportunities and result in unintended consequences for people with mental illnesses. This article serves as a macro-level analysis of structural stigmas and discrimination which occur through: state laws and policies. Corrigan et al. (2004) assert that mental illness is stigmatized and creating discrimination within the United States through various means, including voting laws which often use vague language to determine who cannot