Voting Competence and Mental Illness
MORRIS M. KLEIN PH.D.1, and
SAUL A. GROSSMAN PH.D.2
1 Assistant Clinical Professor, Department of Psychiatry (Psychology), Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, N.Y. and Chief Psychologist, Bronx State Hospital, 1500 Waters Pl., Bronx, N.Y. 10461
2 Assistant Clinical Professor, Department of Psychiatry (Psychology), Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, N.Y. and Principal Psychologist, Bronx State Hospital, 1500 Waters Pl., Bronx, N.Y. 10461
Does mental illness render a person incompetent to vote? Two studies highlight the similarity of voting behavior between patients hospitalized in a community state hospital and citizens living in the community. The results of the studies appear to dispel any need to maintain separate laws that govern the voting rights of citizens who are hospitalized for mental illness.
