Should felons vote?
@getunaddicted (210)
United States
March 21, 2008 8:38pm CST
I want to ask this question, if the felons had to:
1. Be off parole/ probation for a minimum of one year.
2. Not get any thing other than a minor misdemeanor, traffic ticket, etc...
3. Submit to drug screens.
4. Have references stating all of the above, and any other state/ federal mandates are met.
Would you be willing to consider allowing the felons to have their rights reinstated?
4 people like this
5 responses
@superpidge (78)
• Australia
22 Mar 08
Why shouldn't they vote no matter what they've done?
They still have to live in the country and by it's laws and policies too (even if they haven't always adhered to them!)
2 people like this
@getunaddicted (210)
• United States
22 Mar 08
What you said in the Parenthesis is the claim of most that are against the idea. I being a felon, who has not gotten anything more than a traffic ticket in the last 6 years, have noticed that most talk about forgiveness, yet they still think if you commit a felony that you should have it hung over your head for the rest of your life...
2 people like this
@venshida (4836)
• United States
22 Mar 08
I think they should be allow to vote. I think some states allow them to vote with stipulations. I believe they live in this country and should participate in the process. The laws affect them also so why not.
@venshida (4836)
• United States
23 Mar 08
I know someone who had some minor runnings with the law. They are out on bond now so we check for GA and they allow voting with some stipulations. There are not many States that does. It seems if the individual has paid his or her debt to society they deserve a second chance.
@getunaddicted (210)
• United States
22 Mar 08
I know of one that allows felons to vote, but I think there are 2 more, but not sure about that.
@enchantedleppard (1541)
• United States
22 Mar 08
I think they should have a right to vote. I dont agree with the commenter that says most violent felons are undereducated, etc... look at some of the mastermind criminals. They were smart as heck, creative, brainy.. I'm not saying that what they've done is right, is justified or okay, however they were master minds.. albeit crazy but they were still smart. I think after a certain statuate of time, they should be able to vote. Especially if they have redeemed themselves. The past is the past. But I know everyone has different opinions on that and I'm sure you'll have some strong opposition to this.
@enchantedleppard (1541)
• United States
22 Mar 08
Ahh I did go back and read that again. I read it wrong. Glad you're keeping me straight.
@getunaddicted (210)
• United States
22 Mar 08
What that poster was getting at was that the most violent, and the undereducated usually do not vote, not that the most violent are undereducated. Love ya friend and thanks again for getting me involved in here :P
1 person likes this
@cristolb86 (13)
• United States
22 Mar 08
Well I do think that from it was a minor crime they committed then they should be allowed to vote. We are not perfect we make mistakes sometimes. But only if it was a minor misdemeanor. Some people that commit major crimes are a little loco so they definitely shouldn't be allowed to vote.
@getunaddicted (210)
• United States
22 Mar 08
What if they have shown themselves fully remorseful of their actions, and strive and succeed in becoming productive citizens? If the courts say that they have paid their debt to society, should they not have certain rights reinstated? I am not arguing your opinion, just trying to understand your position.
@cristolb86 (13)
• United States
22 Mar 08
If they are truly repentant and have served their time for their punishment for their crimes then yes they should be allowed to vote. I only meant that some people have serious psychological issues that have driven them to commit very major crimes like some serial murderers. I don't think they should be allowed to vote.
