The article first reviews international developments in voting rights for prisoners in the countries of Israel, South Africa, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States. In examining why the Irish Government introduced new legislation to permit prisoners to vote, there were no factors that often provide the impetus for new legislation. The public was not clamoring for it; the courts did not require it; and little political capital could be expected as a return. The impetus came from a variety of sources, including European jurisprudence, a lack of political and media opposition, and a desire among correctional policymakers to create civically responsible prisoners as an aspect of their rehabilitation. The concept of individual responsibility pervades prison-management discourse internationally and reflects the wider drive toward community responsibility that pervades crime prevention strategies. Voting is a tangible act of assuming responsibility for determining what individuals and policies will impact oneself, one's family, and the community in which one lives. Voting "embodies the most fundamental democratic principle of equality. Not to vote is to withdraw from the political community" (Putnam, 2000). Prisoners in Ireland had their first opportunity to vote in 2007. Although the number who registered to vote was small, the turnout was relatively high. 1 table and 51 references