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Thursday, February 17, 2005

Ex-Felons Voting?

By Rob on February 17, 2005 at 07:03 pm
7 Comments
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I'm seeing a lot of criticism from the right about the Count Every Vote act allowing ex-felons to vote.

I can't comment on the rest of that Act as I really haven't had time to look it over, but I will say that I see no problems in allowing ex-convicts to cast ballots. The whole point of prison is supposed to be about punishment for crime and rehabilitation for those who are capable of it. I think we are sending mixed messages to these ex-prisoners when we tell them that they have paid their debt to society but then withhold certain basic rights from them.

Remember that not all of these people are monsters. Many of them learn from the mistakes they've made in the past and go on to lead happy, fulfilling and law-abiding lives.

I certainly don't support voting rights for incarcerated convicts nor do I support voting rights for convicts out on parole, but for those who have completed their sentences I cannot see what moral or legal right we have to withhold from them the opportunity to vote.

Update:

More from James Joyner:

Automatically restoring the franchise to ex-felons would be another boon to the Democrats. Still, it's not entirely clear to me what the rationale is for denying them the right to vote, presuming they've completed all requirements of their punishment, including any probationary period. If they're out in public and free to come and go as they please, their ability to vote is the least of my worries. There is also the whole "taxation without representation" argument to be made.

Comments

Avatar for likwidshoe

Those two articles questioned the intent of allowing ex-felons to vote.

likwidshoe on February 17, 2005 at 08:03 pm
Avatar for Mr. Bowen

Even though the vast majority of ex-felons vote democrat, I agree with you, Rob.  Once the debt is paid, the ex-felon is due his rights.

Mr. Bowen on February 18, 2005 at 07:03 am
Avatar for Jadegold

Banging your ass was probably the furthest thing from my mind, 2H9. You might wish to check with Mr. Bowen though.

Jadegold on February 18, 2005 at 02:02 pm
Avatar for 2Hotel9

In many states ex-felons are allowed to vote. In others they can submit a writ to regain their voting right. This is, once again, a states rights issue. If you are a felon and you wish to vote, just register Democrat. And don’t try to bang my ass on this one, the Federal Elections Commission has shown that voting districts run by the Democrat machine are as corrupt as a corpse.

2Hotel9 on February 18, 2005 at 02:02 pm
Avatar for Mr. Bowen

Coulter’s right about one thing: when Leftards have nothing else, they revert to slandering people with charges of homosexuality.  Course, Jadegold knows this, since he jacks off to Slander, Treason, and How to Talk To a Liberal each and every night.

Mr. Bowen on February 18, 2005 at 05:03 pm
Rob
Rob
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Jeez, you walked into that one 2H9…

wink

When the people fear their government, there is tyranny; when the government fears the people, there is liberty.

-- Thomas Jefferson

Rob’s recently listened-to songs:

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Rob on February 18, 2005 at 05:03 pm
Avatar for 2Hotel9

You got to give them a chance now and then, otherwise they go crying to the ACLU,EEOC, and tell your mother you are not playing fair.

2Hotel9 on February 18, 2005 at 05:03 pm
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