Voting Rights for Felons

[wunksta]

Voting matters in every republic and there's been a lot of discussion of problems with certain groups not being able to vote, such as attempts to make it harder for some to vote. There's also been a lot of discussion over undocumented individuals attempting to vote. However, one demographic that doesn't get discussed often is felons.

The fourteenth amendment allows states to adopt rules for felony disenfranchisement for "participation in rebellion or other crime". This leads to situations where some people have their ability to vote removed entirely. In Florida alone, there are 1.5 million ex-felons that could not vote during the state election.

There is currently a ballot to change Florida's constitution, amendment 4, which would restore the right to vote to ex-felons in Florida, excluding those convicted of murder or sex offenses.

Florida isn't alone in voting restrictions for felons. While felons in most states are allowed to vote after completing their sentences, Alabama, Delaware, Iowa, Kentucky, Mississippi, Nevada, Tennessee, Virginia and Wyoming continue to have restrictions that limit voting.

During 2008, 5.3 million people were unable to vote, which comprised 2.5% of the potential voters in general.

Some states go further to protect voting rights though. For example, Maine and Vermont allow felons to vote from prison.

Should those currently incarcerated be allowed to vote at all, or should they only be able to vote once their sentence ends? Or should felons permanently lose their ability to vote?

[Shadowferal]

In jail...you don't get a vote. I see no reason for compromise.
Out of jail...I favor restrictions, essentially murder and sex offenses, no vote.
Open to argument regarding other felonies.

[Somewhatconcerned]

Incarcerated - you're not contributing to society at this point, so it wouldn't be fair to have a vote in things.

Out of jail - depends on the offense.

[Eveningforest]

Because a lot of us seem to like this guy, I'll leave this here.

[Fugus]

I think all people should be allowed to vote, whether a felon or not. Even while in prison.

They are still a citizen and overall, either their vote doesn't matter or if they are in such a large number that they do matter, then we have something else that is wrong.

And denying felons the right to vote makes for a good way to disenfranchise voters, just pass laws that turns them into felons.

If we got enough felons voting to tip elections, we need to start asking ourselves why we have so many felons in the system to begin with.

The ONLY felons that should be denied this are the felons who aren't US citizens to begin with and should be deported after their time in the system. But even they should be afforded due process rights and basic human rights.

[Pendulous]

Committing a crime doesn't make you a non-citizen. Everyone should be allowed to vote.

[Draco-Onis]

We have prison for a reason if we are going to punish people forever we can't act surprised when they end up committing more crimes. Although the US system has failed miserably in that aspect the purpose of prisons aside from punishment should be rehabilitation.

[Mafic]

All people should be allowed to vote.

It is a choice that should not be taken away IMO as it is not like a driving license. Rights > privileges.

[Machismo]

Everyone should be allowed to vote, the more people who vote, the better.

[Mister Cheese]

Why should people who have no regard for the law be allowed to vote on them?

[Machismo]

Why should people who have no regard for the law be allowed to vote on them?

Almost every adult is a criminal.

[Wyrt]

They should be allowed to vote. Effectively removing citizenship of people is horrible.

[Edge-]

Why should people who have no regard for the law be allowed to vote on them?

They're not members of Congress. They're largely voting on representatives, not laws.

[xChurch]

Mandatory voting for everyone over 18, no exceptions, is my preference.

[Wyrt]

Why should people who have no regard for the law be allowed to vote on them?

If we allow them to hold office then why shouldn't they vote?

[Masark]

In Canada, there are exactly 2 people who are not allowed to vote. The Chief Electoral Officer and the Assistant Chief Electoral Officer. Every other citizen, criminal or not, imprisoned or not, gets to vote.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sauv%C...toral_Officer)

[Trifle]

Why should people who have no regard for the law be allowed to vote on them?

This is a fair question but on the flip side, after they've been rehabilitated why should they not be allowed to vote ? Whether immediately or after a cooldown period... or do you think they should be barred from voting for life?

And keep in mind a big chunk of the prison population is in prison for things like taking drugs. Do you think marijuana possession should disqualify someone from voting for life ?

[Dontrike]

Why should people who have no regard for the law be allowed to vote on them?

I'll be sure the next time someone eats a grape in a super market, jay walks, or gets a parking ticket to remember this bit of logic.

[PACOX]

The only reason to suppress a felon is fear of them voting against you. Do the time, get your voting rights back.

- - - Updated - - -

Mandatory voting for everyone over 18, no exceptions, is my preference.

There's reasons why mandatory voting is bad too. The illusion of choice is even greater if you force people to vote.

[NED funded]

If you are in jail, obviously no. You failed the basic citizenship test if you are there. After you did the time, then yeah.