Posted on 06/18/2005 4:04:27 AM PDT by linkinpunk
Iowa Gov. to Restore Felons' Voting Rights
By MIKE GLOVER, Associated Press Writer
Fri Jun 17, 8:04 PM ET
DES MOINES, Iowa - Gov. Tom Vilsack said Friday he will soon sign an order restoring the voting rights of convicted felons who have served their sentences.
Currently, felons can apply for the right to vote, but it must be approved by the state's parole board and the governor in a lengthy process.
Vilsack, a Democrat, said the current system is too time-consuming and unfairly affects minorities. His executive order would automatically restore felons' voting rights upon completion of their sentences.
"This action we take is not going to be a pardon," Vilsack said at a news conference surrounded by dozens of civil rights activists. "When you've paid your debt to society, you need to be reconnected to society."
A bipartisan panel of legislators asked the governor for an executive order after determining that lawmakers lacked the constitutional authority to lift the ban. He plans to sign the measure July 4, affecting as many as 500 to 600 felons a month.
Critics said Vilsack's move would hurt efforts to curb crime.
"This is exactly the kind of mixed signal that waters down Iowa's tough-on-crime reputation," said Republican House Speaker Chris Rants. "We made great strides in punishing our most dangerous criminals. Now is not the time to reverse course."
Ralph Rosenberg of the Iowa Civil Rights Commission emphasized the order wouldn't erase felons' records. "We're not dismissing the crime," he said.
Elizabeth Robinson, head of the Iowa Board of Parole, said the move puts Iowa in line with the majority of states that recognize when a felon's debt has been paid.
"I think it's important for society," Robinson said. "We're getting on the same page as the rest of the land."
Deb Breuklander said she spent 18 months trying to get her voting rights back after serving time on a methamphetamine charge. "It was discouraging," said Breuklander, who finally received her notice earlier this week.
Only four other states prohibit felons from voting after completing their sentences: Alabama, Florida, Kentucky and Virginia, the governor said.
If the goovernoor does this he should be recalled. It seems as though the radical left is hell bent on overthrowing America and the power has gone to their head.
Oh joy! /s
Hillary has been pushing for the felons to be able to vote this is part of her bill.
Hillary wants Florida to also let felons vote.
This sucks with Iowa being a key swing state in 08 100,000 felons give the democrats a lot of new voters.
So, along with the cemetary vote, the "voters" who vote 2 or 3 times and now the felons and subtracting the Military votes that mysteriously disappear, the Demons should do quite well.
Elizabeth Robinson, head of the Iowa Board of Parole, said the move puts Iowa in line with the majority of states that recognize when a felon's debt has been paid.
An if they jump off a cliff, are we going to do that also?
Vilsack is correct. Anybody not on probation, parole or actually incarcerated should have all rights restored including those of voting and possessing weapons.
You're all living some fantasy where everyone ever convicted of anything is a liberal Dem who, if allowed, will vote 'Rats into power. There happen to be numerous conservative ex-convicts right here on Free Republic, including myself. Several of us are "out of the closet", but I'm sure there are more who refuse to self-identify for fear of a cyber lynching.
Remember that we are governed by folks who are determined to make everything a matter of law and people who say it can't happen to me are dreaming.
Maine and Massachusetts both allow ex-cons to vote without petitioning the gub'mint and possibly one or two other states.
Someone needs to put up a Hall of Shame of infamous Iowa cons who would be allowed to vote.
I agree. Once a sentence has been fully served there is no reason to continue to punish someone. It makes no difference what party they vote for it is plain wrong to deprive them of the right to vote due to a past mistake.
Vilesack is a vile POS and is a disgrace to the state along with his SOS buddy Harkin.
It's bad enough that Viltax has done this, but he isn't even requiring them to complete their victim's restitution before their voting rights are restored.
There will now be absolutely NO reason for them to repay their debt.
There is a crazy incongruency existing in Florida voter law, which I'm surprised has not yet been exploited.
To Register You Must:
* Be a U.S. citizen.
* Be a Florida resident.
* Be 18 years old (you may pre-register if you are 17).
* Not now be adjudicated mentally incapacitated with respect to voting in Florida or any other state.
* Not have been convicted of a felony without your civil rights having been restored pursuant to law.
* Not claim the right to vote in another county or state.
* Submit your valid Florida driver's license number or Florida identification card number. If you do not have either of these, you must provide the last four digits of your Social Security number.
Make note of the bold clause. It allows a felon who has moved to Florida from a state which restores voting rights to participate in Florida elections, while barring home grown felons.
I'm surprised hitlery hasn't caught this angle yet.
Should I return to my felonious ways so that I can keep informed on the latest prisoner news?
;O)
That would be "hayday".
-----"Vilsack, a Democrat, said the current system is too time-consuming and unfairly affects minorities"----
You know, serving time in jail is "time consuming" too, maybe we should get rid of jail time while were at it. Also "minoritites" who do not commit crimes are not affected at all.
And on Monday the governor will sign an order restoring a convicted felon's right to keep and bear arms.......NOT
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