Why Can't Felons Vote?

I was talking with one of my neighbors who is a really nice, polite and friendly guy. He is also young, around 25. We were talking and he told me that he was a recent college graduate, looking for a job and could not find one, because of his felony conviction. He also stated that he was a felon because he got caught selling marijuana (probably a large amount).

He found a job working as a call center person (I've done that type of work and JUST HATE IT). He said that other felons were working there as well, persons whom he knew.

He seems to be doing well and said that he was going to work at a shelter this Thanksgiving feeding the hungry. What a kind, humane and humble gesture! It is sad that he has a degree in Marketing and (obviously, it had its advantages) and cannot take advantage of it for his economic survival

I just thought that for the rest of his life, he has to live with this marker and though he might be rehabilitated, he can no longer vote, get a good job and will be turned down from many opportunities.

Not because of this one case, but our justice system just stinks

I wish him God's blessings as he continues to struggle through life with this "Scarlet Letter?