Last updated on: 10/9/2014 | Author: ProCon.org

Alexes Harris, PhD Biography

Title:
Assistant Professor of Sociology at the University of Washington
Position:
Pro to the question "Should Felons Who Have Completed Their Sentence (Incarceration, Probation, and Parole) Be Allowed to Vote?"
Reasoning:

“People should not be barred from voting… If we truly want people convicted of felonies to re-engage with society, become rehabilitated, and feel a part of a broader community (thus creating incentives not to recidivate) then our State should do everything possible to re-incorporate these individuals into mainstream society.”

Email to ProCon.org, Jan. 13, 2010
Theoretical Expertise Ranking:
    Experts
Individuals with PhD's, JD's, or equivalent advanced degrees in fields relevant to felon voting issues. Also top-level government officials (such as foreign leaders, US presidents, Founding Fathers, Supreme Court Justices, members of legislative bodies, cabinet members, military leaders, etc.) with positions relevant to felon voting issues.
Involvement and Affiliations:
  • Assistant Professor of Sociology at the University of Washington, 2004-present
  • Faculty Affiliate, West Coast Poverty Center
  • Community Advisory Board Member, Washington State Budget Policy Center, 2008-present
  • Journal Reviewer: Journal of Negro Education, Law & Society Review, Social Forces, American Journal of Sociology
  • Member, American Sociological Association
  • Member, American Society of Criminology
  • Postdoctoral Researcher, University of Washington, 2002-2004
  • Graduate Research Assistant, Professor Walter Allen, University of California at Los Angeles, 2000-2001
Education:
  • PhD, Sociology, University of California at Los Angeles, 2002
  • MA, Sociology, University of California at Los Angeles, 1999
  • BA, Sociology, University of Washington, 1997
Other:
  • In a Jan. 20, 2010 email to ProCon.org Professor Harris stated the following: “This looks fine but I would appreciate it if you note wherever the University of Washington is listed that this is only for identification purposes and that the opinions are solely my own.”
Quoted in:
  1. Should Felons Have to Pay All Fines, Fees, and Restitutions Related to Their Conviction before Regaining Their Vote?