Is it fair, to deny convicted felons the right to vote?

[Smith_3]

I'm not sure where I stand on this issue. In a way, its seems very undemocratic to me, a measure designed specifically to eliminate the voting influence of underpriviledged areas. How do you feel about it?

[jakem]

1. seems to me that released should = full rights, no?

[bluerum]

2. After paying their debt to society they should have voting rights restored.

[rubberducky]

3. I`ve never understood the reasoning for denying voting rights.

Seems like as long as you are a citizen that is your right.

[Rosemary2205]

4. It's Constitutional but it's morally wrong IMHO.

Once someone serves their entire debt to society they should be given a complete second chance. Including the right to vote.

Now - as a practical matter - IMHO the loss of voting rights is a tool to keep lots and lots of black males from voting and selective prosecutions/railroading etc insure plenty of black males are felons.

[Mr_Monday]

7. That would require a huge conspiracy, like giganticly huge. nt

[killbotfactory]

9. No, it doesn't take a gigantic conspiracy

It just takes an institutionally racist justice system.

[HughMoran]

11. It's no accident

The RWers will use any method possible to reduce the voting rights of blacks.

[LucyParsons]

5. No

it's not "fair" - your feelings are right on.

[Richardo]

6. I don't have a problem with it.

And it wasn't designed specifically to eliminate the voting influence of underprivileged areas. It was designed to eliminate the voting influence of felons.

[Smith_3]

10. A person who can afford a top-of-the-line lawyer is much less likely to be convicted.

For a similar crime.

[wuushew]

24. Why are the views of felons less valid than any other person?

Just because a person is serving a jail sentence does not mean they necessarily support U.S. foreign policy or would vote for referendum measures against gay marriage.

If the purpose of voting is to sample the will of the populace then it is not logical to exclude any demographic.

[killbotfactory]

8. No

You are exactly right, it's designed to disenfranchise people.

In other modern democratic countries, Sweden for instance, everyone gets to vote, even those in prison, since they are still citizens. A voter ID card is sent to every eligible voter, meaning they don't make people jump through hoops to register, and if for some reason they don't get an ID, it is extremely easy to get one, and the information on how is in the newspapers.

[NoPasaran]

12. In my state, former felons who are "off paper"

In my state, former felons who are "off paper" have the right to vote.

[More Than A Feeling]

13. Are they formally specifically sentenced to lose their citizenship as punishment for their crime?

If not, then of course it's unfair.

[NMMNG]

14. It's horribly unfair

But I'm just one of those bleeding heart Lib'ruls. :shrug:

[creeksneakers2]

15. Disenfranchising citizens serves no judicial purpose

No crime is deterred. No lesson is learned.

Felons should be encouraged to take part in society. How can anybody be expected to respect the law when he has no say in how its made?

[LostInAnomie]

16. No. It is unfair, and shows that all the talk of "paying your debt to society"...

... and rehabilitation is a load of lip serviced shit.

I, personally, think that after 5 - 7 years criminal records should be sealed. A criminal conviction has become a permanent assignment to an American underclass. It makes it much harder to get jobs, housing, public services, etc.. No wonder our recidivism rates are ridiculous.

[MADem]

17. It's up to the states--that's how it shakes out.

http://www.electionline.org/Default.aspx?tabid=291

Felons who don't like the law where they live, and for whom voting is vital, can move to a state where they aren't shut down.

Alternatively, they can try to change the law.

[catmandu57]

18. No

voting rights should be restored on completion of sentence. The piggies wouldn't have anyone to serve in govt. if we denied govt. employment to convicted or pardoned people, if they can take out money then we can let felons vote.

[knitter4democracy]

19. If they do their time, they get to re-join society.

I'm entirely against taking away their vote forever. I think the only way you should lose your vote is if you renounce your citizenship and move to another country. If they can pay taxes and are over 18, they should vote.

[Strawman]

20. No

[arcos]

21. In my country, there are polling stations installed INSIDE prisons on election day...

You may be in jail, but your democratic rights should remain intact.

[flashl]

22. No. Some states are changing it. n/t

[The Magistrate]

23. No, Sir, It Is Not

[Canuckistanian]

25. Whether they do or not, at least make it consistent

Some states allow it, others deny it and still others are fuzzy about it.

And if someone has 'paid their debt to society' why should they be punished further?

[Moochy]

27. Because they are more likey to vote D

[Moochy]

26. No

Its clearly undemocratic.

[Spirochete]

28. Everyone should have a right to vote

on the laws they have to live under, even if they don't have a tendency to obey very many of them.