Why do Democrats think convicted felons should be able to vote?

Question

Is it because Democrats know they aren't very popular amongst honest, law-abiding people? I guess they need to look for votes somewhere. Too bad they choose criminals instead of real Americans. Only a liberal mind could rationalize this "Felon's Suffrage" movement.

http://worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=42913

Derek: Wow, that was a very thoughful and informative response! Whats the matter, did my question hit too close to home?

Answer 1

Cause democrats are GAY!

Answer 2

Felons stil represent and live in this country,and most criminals had no desire to vote in the first place, so losing it is not a huge threat, as they won't do it anyway. But those that have served theri time, I feel their punishment has been completed. It is a form of double jeopardy, we should not continue to punish someone for a crime repeatedly. If they have served their time, and trying to go on with their life, they should have the right to vote. It is unfortunate but because of their previous mistake, often schooling or a good job is out of the question, but they still are trying their damndest to be a productive member of society, so why should they not be able to vote? The only reason that the rich arrogant Republicans have any protest issue with this whatsoever is that these people will represent the poor - teh middle class which undoubtably means more Democratic votes, which is what they are really afraid of. But don't worry Bush has already taken care of that for you, because that idiot, it has woken up all the docile Democrats, and they are coming out of the woodwork like termites at full force, as tehy have seen what drastic occurances can take place if you don't get off your lazy *** and vote! So I hope you Republicans are in a comfy chair, as I believe that you will be sitting it for quite awile! The American public is not stupid or foolish enough to not vote Democratic from here on out. You had your chance and you blew it, thank Bush for that! Too bad Clinton couldn't have just stayed on until death, which for the counrty's sake we could only hope would have been many many years from now!!!! And as was stated above if they cannot vote then I guess they shouldn't have to pay taxes or obide by the new laws that these new elected officials that they didn't vote for are trying to enforce?!

Answer 3

Its not just Democrats who think that, but I'l skip that and get to the heart of the question.

Felons who are serving their prison sentence or parole cannot vote in any state.
In most states, felons who have completed their sentance and parole can apply to the state to have their right to vote re-instated.
It is based on the idea that once you have served your sentence, you should be allowed to start your life again. Its not a matter of choosing criminals over "real Americans", as you put it. Its about allowing someone to re-integrate back into society once they have completed the sentence.

Answer 4

So arrest equals conviction? You should spend some time in a communist gulag!

If people are released from prison and are back in society they are once again governed by elected officials and effected by those officials decisions. They are taxed to pay the salaries of those officials and the police who enforce those officials opinions. Why should they not have a voice in who governs them? If they are living in society they should certainly be afforded the right to vote. If they cannot cast a vote for who governs them, they should never have to pay a tax dollar again.

And I am certainly not a liberal.

Answer 5

better to ask what is the point of a criminal justice(oxymoron)system that professes to attempt to reform/ teach a person who has committed a crime so that they will be able to reinsert themselves into society as a good citizen? then takes away their ability to get a good job and vote for social reform. at one time almost all federal felonys were white collar crimes..with the onset of drugs and the felony charges that have been set this is no longer the case. but we are losing valueable person similar to martha stewart..just for listening to their broker...should these people never be able to vote again? i think not

Answer 6

I feel that once a person has paid all of the debt they owe to society as set forth by the courts, meaning all jail time is served, all fines and restitution are paid, and they are off parole or probation, then they should be allowed to vote. Some people really do learn from their mistakes.....but as I said, they have to be done with everything....and I am not a Dem...

Answer 7

Felons who have been released from prison need to be reintegrated into society, and voting is a right, not a privilege.

Answer 8

They have been pro-deceased suffrage for decades.The difference between regular Americans and libs is,conservatives lock up criminals and libs want them to vote.

Answer 9

They are sticking up for all politicians. Most of them will end up convicted felons before they leave office anyway...

Answer 10

Because you are an idiot.

Go to a frat party and kill the other half of your brain.

In response:

No, not too close to home. But a little off the wall on your part. Do you really think being convicted of a felony permanently revokes your citizenship? If you think that then you are truly an idiot as I initially stated. I was just trying to save time. I think someone like you would have more fun at a frat party or something a little less challenging.

Answer 11

But one must at least ask the question, when does the punishment stop?

certainly for some crimes, you have forfeited your rights, but if I have served my time and done my restitution, and kept my nose clean and done all that has been asked of me, why must I still be punished?