In this week's column, Marcus Roberts, Director of Research and Development, sheds light on an important issue that has been the subject of much debate - prisoners' voting rights in Aotearoa New Zealand. Marcus takes us on a journey through history, exploring the evolution of prisoners' right to vote and the different opinions that have emerged over the years. He also discusses the latest recommendations from He Arotake Pōtitanga Motuhake - Independent Electoral Review. He draws on his own research paper, "Democracy Unlocked: How Should We Determine Our Electorate?" to delve into the question of whether voting should be viewed as a privilege or a fundamental right. Through his insightful analysis, Roberts encourages us to think critically about this complex issue and consider the implications of our decisions for the future of our democracy.