One Man, One Vote?

The New York Times praises Gov. David Paterson and the New York state Legislature for ending prison-based gerrymandering:

Republican politicians who represent upstate prison districts have predictably tried to portray the new law as a power grab by New York City Democrats. But only about half of the nearly 60,000 people held in New York prisons come from the city while nearly 40 percent of inmates are from upstate areas. They will now be rightfully counted in the places they come from -- and to which they will eventually return. By upholding the principle of one person, one vote, the new law will benefit citizens in all parts of the state.

It's remarkable that Republicans think they have a right to count captive human beings as constituents for the mere purpose of enhancing their own political power, and New York should be proud that it no longer allows them to.

The Times editorial, though, goes too far. The current bill ends involuntary constituency, but it doesn’t represent complete adherence to that principle. Upholding the ideal of “one man, one vote” would mean allowing prisoners to vote while still incarcerated, as Maine and Vermont currently do.