The U.S. prison system has detrimental effects on democracy through denying voting rights and distorting legislative representation. Over 5 million Americans cannot vote due to felony convictions, with only two states immediately restoring voting rights after release. In most states, committing a felony can result in a lifetime voting ban. Released prisoners also face lengthy application processes to regain their rights. Additionally, counting prisoners as residents of their prison's district, rather than their home district, boosts representation in those areas with large prisons. Reforming laws around voting rights and the census is needed to address these issues distorting democracy.