The Criminal Bar Association of New Zealand (CBA) calls on the Government to reconsider the decision to ban those in prison from voting.

“Excluding any group from their right to vote is a serious breach of a fundamental right guaranteed by the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act, weakens our democracy, and undermines the purpose of our justice system,” said Annabel Cresswell, the President of the CBA.

“Considering our proud history fighting for the universal suffrage, many would be shocked to hear that New Zealand will now be among the minority of modern democracies that deprives certain groups, from the basic right to vote.

“There is no legitimate purpose for banning prisoners from voting. It does nothing to aid rehabilitation, keep communities safe, or even serve the interests of victims. In fact it does the opposite.

“We know that rehabilitation and successful reintegration of those in our over crowded prisons depends strengthening their connection to the community outside. So this ban will risk the rehabilitative purpose of our justice system and make communities less safe.

“Prisoners are already carrying out their punishment by being in prison. Denying them basic human rights and further ostracising them from their community is a slippery slope and threatens the integrity of our justice system.

“Our Government now knows, based on ample evidence, presented by every justice sector inquiry, the Courts and Waitangi Tribunal, that our prison system disproportionately targets Māori, other minority and poorer communities and those with mental health needs- so this breach is also a serious discrimination issue.”

“It’s disappointing to see the Government prioritise this regressive policy, when there is so much meaningful work to be done in order to strengthen access to justice and rehabilitation in our broken justice system.

“New Zealand should be a place where no matter your circumstances you have a right to cast a vote. Let’s make sure that our basic human rights apply to us all, and that our justice system is focused on aiding community safety not empty American style punishment,” Ms Cresswell said.

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