I just read where there was a vote to give back voting rights to ex-felons. This just seems right to me...once they have served their time(and especially if it was a stupid choice made at a very young age)shouldn't these folks be given back their rights?
2007-04-05 05:45:01 · 13 answers · asked by janice 6 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
I'm not talking about violent offenders...but there are so many good people, who made bad judgement calls as young people and have since gone on to become hard working, honest living adults...it just doesn't seem right to hold one, non-violent, mistake against someone for the majority of their adult life. I could tell a couple of stories about truly innocent people sitting behind bars, due to something beyond their control...sad.
2007-04-05 07:18:22 · update #1
I live in Virginia...
2007-04-05 07:22:24 · update #2
I AGREE!
2007-04-05 05:47:28 · answer #1 · answered by Monica (THE COMMIE) 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Most of the states automatically reinstate them. Fl is only one of three states that did not until now. Kentucky and Virginia were the other states.
Florida does have a caveat. Violent ex-felons will still have to go in front a board to request reinstatement of their voting rights.
The board voted 3-1 with Attorney General Bill McCollum, another Republican, strongly objecting to changing the Jim Crow-era ban on felons automatically getting their rights back once they finish their sentences.
2007-04-05 05:53:24 · answer #2 · answered by thequeenreigns 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, after all debts to society are paid and they are back in the general population they should be allowed to vote. It is a part of being a responsible citizen to be able to vote and this would go a long way toward making an ex-felon a responsible citizen. .
2007-04-05 05:55:59 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Most "ex-felons" are career criminals. But why not just give them a big hug and kiss and a big apology, too? I'd leave it up to their parole officers, too, since a few of these people did make a stupid mistake at a young age. Most, however, have been in and out of the penal system for decades.
2007-04-05 05:55:41 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Some rights, yes, but not all, and not immediately. No felon should ever be allowed to have a gun without a thorough psychiatric evaluation. I do not feel that a waiting period is uncalled for. Let them earn their rights back thru good behavior. Besides, putting a newly released felon on a jury is stupid.
2007-04-05 06:02:01 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
agreed, they should be allowed to vote after they have paid their debt to society. They are still citizens and have rights under the 15th Amendment and the Voting Rights Act.
2007-04-05 06:02:38 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would say yes, after a certain number of years. Habitual felons can't stay clean. Those are the ones whose votes we don't need.
2007-04-05 05:48:33 · answer #7 · answered by shirleykins 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I think they should be given their voting rights back. However, I think three strikes should apply to them. If you can't stay out of jail, why should you be voting? Voting is a priviledge and if you want to keep it you should do your best to stay clean.
2007-04-05 05:54:08 · answer #8 · answered by Laoshu Laoshi 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I was just answer a question on how right it was that rehabilitated individuals from the penal system deserve to be welcomed back into society with open arms. If you treat them differently because of their past then your just asking for them to commit crimes again.
2007-04-05 05:50:59 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
Do such laws exist? I'm having trouble believing you. I would guess the federal courts would have rejected such an unconstitutional law long ago.
2007-04-05 05:51:48 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would say leave it up to their parole officers, especially if they're not political appointees.
2007-04-05 05:49:20 · answer #11 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋