Should ex-felons be allowed to vote?

[KingsGambit]

I'm not talking about current felons. Bernie Sanders has been pushing to allow people to vote from prison. I definitely think that's crazy. But what about ex-felons? Once you've paid your debt to society, so the theory goes, shouldn't you have your full constitutional rights back?

Nevada apparently thinks so; they've passed a law immediately restoring such rights. https://www.rgj.com/story/news/polit...kiK7dJBTuChOXA

[myth]

I'm not talking about current felons. Bernie Sanders has been pushing to allow people to vote from prison. I definitely think that's crazy. But what about ex-felons? Once you've paid your debt to society, so the theory goes, shouldn't you have your full constitutional rights back?

Nevada apparently thinks so; they've passed a law immediately restoring such rights. https://www.rgj.com/story/news/polit...kiK7dJBTuChOXA

I'm not sure what you mean. People who are felons are simply people who have been convicted of a felony. One cannot undo the past, therefore there aren't any 'ex-felons' (expect, perhaps, people who have had their convictions overturned and their record expunged). There are people who are felons, and people who are not felons.

I'm not generally interested in the opinions of felons, and don't think they should vote. Perhaps felons could have their voting rights restored if a suitable time (without continuing arrests) passes. Like, 10-15 years. But I don't think our political system should consider the opinions of those who continue to live a criminal lifestyle. I think the push for this on the left is a blatant attempt to get more votes.

[KingsGambit]

I'm not sure what you mean. People who are felons are simply people who have been convicted of a felony. One cannot undo the past, therefore there aren't any 'ex-felons' (expect, perhaps, people who have had their convictions overturned and their record expunged). There are people who are felons, and people who are not felons.
.

Yeah, I noticed that in the article I was reading and was wondering about that particular wording. I probably should have reworded it.

[Mountain Man]

I think the push for this on the left is a blatant attempt to get more votes.

I do find it interesting that the prevailing belief even among liberals is that criminals will be more likely to vote Democrat.

That said, I agree with your idea of a probation period before they're allowed to vote again.

[KingsGambit]

I do find it interesting that the prevailing belief even among liberals is that criminals will be more likely to vote Democrat.

That said, I agree with your idea of a probation period before they're allowed to vote again.

I find that reasonable too, especially for non-violent offenders. I get that felons didn't get that status for overdue library books.

[Cow Poke]

A (non exhaustive) list of crimes considered felony:

• Homicide;
• Attempted murder;
• Rape;
• Arson;
• Human trafficking;
• Burglary;
• Robbery;
• A failure to inform a sexual partner of positive HIV status;
• Criminal damage to property;
• Escaping from prison;
• Interfering with a guardian’s custody rights (this includes interstate interference);
• Assisting in a felony;
• Child pornography;
• Child abuse;
• Money laundering; or
• Stalking.

I think they gave up their right to vote when they committed those crimes, and if they want that right back, there needs to be something they do to earn it back, apart from "paying for their crime".

[tabibito]

A (non exhaustive) list of crimes considered felony:

• Homicide;
• Attempted murder;
• Rape;
• Arson;
• Human trafficking;
• Burglary;
• Robbery;
• A failure to inform a sexual partner of positive HIV status;
• Criminal damage to property;
• Escaping from prison;
• Interfering with a guardian’s custody rights (this includes interstate interference);
• Assisting in a felony;
• Child pornography;
• Child abuse;
• Money laundering; or
• Stalking.

I think they gave up their right to vote when they committed those crimes, and if they want that right back, there needs to be something they do to earn it back, apart from "paying for their crime".

Maybe after the maximum term prescribed for the crime in question has elapsed?

[Cow Poke]

Maybe after the maximum term prescribed for the crime in question has elapsed?

Maybe something like that, and they'd have to apply for reinstatement just like they'd have to apply for parole.

[Terraceth]

Letting them vote after finishing their prison sentence and all applicable probation/parole doesn't seem unreasonable to me.

[Sparko]

I'm not sure what you mean. People who are felons are simply people who have been convicted of a felony. One cannot undo the past, therefore there aren't any 'ex-felons' (expect, perhaps, people who have had their convictions overturned and their record expunged). There are people who are felons, and people who are not felons.

I'm not generally interested in the opinions of felons, and don't think they should vote. Perhaps felons could have their voting rights restored if a suitable time (without continuing arrests) passes. Like, 10-15 years. But I don't think our political system should consider the opinions of those who continue to live a criminal lifestyle. I think the push for this on the left is a blatant attempt to get more votes.

yeah I agree. Except I think it should depend on the felony. Certain felonies, like theft, I think they should get their voting rights back if, as you say, they can show they can remain crime free for a certain time. Others, like violent felons, I think should never get their vote back. We don't want such people influencing our laws.

[rogue06]

Y'all should know where this is ultimately going. Complaints and lawsuits over the fact that some minorities experience higher rates of violent crime. They'll call it racism and discrimination targeting them.

[Cow Poke]

Letting them vote after finishing their prison sentence and all applicable probation/parole doesn't seem unreasonable to me.

You think it should be automatic?

[KingsGambit]

You think it should be automatic?

I lean in that direction. Once your sentence is over, I don't see any moral justification for limiting one's basic rights past the time allotted by the judge (and constitutional rights are basic rights). I could live with a time limit as a compromise.

[Cow Poke]

I lean in that direction. Once your sentence is over, I don't see any moral justification for limiting one's basic rights past the time allotted by the judge (and constitutional rights are basic rights). I could live with a time limit as a compromise.

OK, regardless of the crime?

[Sparko]

Y'all should know where this is ultimately going. Complaints and lawsuits over the fact that some minorities experience higher rates of violent crime. They'll call it racism and discrimination targeting them.

there is a difference between "experiencing" violent crime and "committing" violent crime. The first might not be avoidable, but second is entirely voluntary and avoidable.

Nobody is taking the vote from those experiencing violent crimes.