"The author hasn't the sense to realize that to commit and be found guilty of a felony is to lose one's right to public participation - voting included. It's just one of the punishments."
Does it also include exemption from payment of Federal Taxes? If we require felons to pay income taxes, then we should allow them to vote. If they are not allowed to participate in the process, they should not be required to participate in the funding either!
Of course, in my opinion, only people that pay taxes should be allowed to vote. If you are one of the 44-49% of this country free of the burden, then you should you should be free of the responsibility of participation!
Are incarcerated felons required to pay Federal income taxes? I don't know, I don't think so. Aren't most prison inmate incomes below the federal poverty level? That would only require them to file unless they actually have an income - say from investments, ect..
Once a felon's sentence is served, their rights are restored - taxation on income (because they then actually have an income) and voting privileges are likewise restored.