Thread: Should convicted felons be able to vote.

I recently had a discussion with a co-work and honestly I do not know how I feel about it. Maybe a libertarian can help me out here. The discussion came up because my company is being sold and one employee has a felony conviction from 25 years ago. During this time they have paid taxes, however they have not been able to cast a vote in any election. I am well aware of the slogan No taxation without representation and how it was used in the 1700. However, could one make the case that felons are expected to pay taxes, yet because of a conviction lose their right to representation? The point is he/felons served their time or made reparations (I don't know if that is the right word "help") for their crimes. The point is they are square with the house and should they forfeit their right to representation? I do believe that the right to vote is not a privilege. Privilege to me means oppression, and a right represents freedom which is what this country was the reason this country was founded. This made me think very hard about what America is to me and they pretty much changed my mind. I feel as long as convicted felons are paying taxes, they should retain the right to vote ( this argument could also be made for owning guns as well). I do agree that yes some convicted felons have committed very bad crimes. However, as Americans how can we have a say in our government, how can we make someone pay taxes yet not give them the right to have a say in the policies of America? Especially after they have served their punishment? I am sure this has been hashed out before but I could not find it through the search. I am also concerned maybe I do no thave the right outlook on this.

Interesting question TA,

I'm confident each side (pro's and con's) can express a convincing argument for their logic.


My personal opinion is relatively moderate by some standards. I would support suspension of voting rights while incarcerated and on parole. But once maxed out, the right should be restored automatically.

just my thought

That is where I am kinda stuck I see the logic behind the objection then again that little voice in the back of my head keeps saying no! I hope it will be an intresting discussion!

I think it depends on the felony. Voter fraud, banned for life. Embezzled $100 from the state, restroe voting rights. Now, should dead people be allowed to vote?

Patrick,

Voter fruad rarely happens, I do not think you can cherry pick who would have the right or who would not. They would all still have to pay taxes and it goes back to the orginal point of the thread. I know it is not a white and black subject, you can see I still struggle with it.

Originally Posted by TaraAnne

Patrick,

Voter fruad rarely happens, I do not think you can cherry pick who would have the right or who would not. They would all still have to pay taxes and it goes back to the orginal point of the thread. I know it is not a white and black subject, you can see I still struggle with it.

No, but I can see your struggle with trying to justify having convicted felons vote. Voting fraud and election fraud are not rare. There is a reson that thusands of bogus viter regisstrations are logged and there is also a reason the registration lists aren't kept current. So, voter and election fraud exist, aren't rare, and should result in never again being involved in voting as a voter or an official.

A. We currently have different systems in each state. Some states do distinguish between violent and non-violent felonies and some prohibit voting for convictions of certain misdemeanors.

B. I don't know what paying taxes would have to do with the issue. Not everyone pays taxes and some who do pay taxes, such as children, don't get to vote. That is really not a relevant part of the discussion.

I realize one polotical party has a vested interest in having convicted felons vote.

What income are these felons using to pay these taxes? I was under the impression that these felons were working for about 10 cents a day--barely enough to buy a ho ho or a single cigabutt when they get the chance. But in answer to your question...no they shouldn't be allowed to vote.

What would be your reason?? They do still pay taxes they served thier time, just saying no is a waste. Why did you even post here.

I think you have to differentiate between violent and non violent felonies. If you committed a violent felony, say killing someone while drinking and driving, you already took away someones right to vote forever, I can see you losing yours forever. Voter fraud that would have to be forever, (wether voter fraud is a large issue or not is irrelevant). I think you have to be careful with who you allow to get back their rights to vote, freedom in America is sacrosanct and taking freedoms away from another should be dealt with harshly.

I think the issue in this thread is really about what should and what should not be a felony.

While a felon is in prison...no.

Thereafter....once a person has paid his debt to society... I have no problem with it.

Once they are back in society their rights should be restored.