I don't get this thing about felons. Why shouldn't a felon vote if/when they have completed their sentence and done something to prove that they are no longer a criminal threat? Now, before you pull out the flame thrower, hear me out.
I am not saying a 2-time convicted child rapist should be voting. I am talking about people (and there are many) who, a decade or so ago, did something stupid and have now changed their lives. I think those people should be allowed to vote. What about this example:
Take someone who was involved in a bar brawl in the early 90s and was charged and convicted of felonius assault. They did their time, then after prison started a business and a family. This person is now a good "model citizen" and still can't vote.
I agree. If they've completed their sentence, then their debt to society is paid and their rights should be re-instated.
The law varies between the states, but I believe some states implement your model. A felon who's served his time can re-apply for suffrage, with those such as your example being granted it. I like this system.
Fair point, but a decade is not enough. They need to repeat the vote qualifier of maintaining a body temperature of 37°C for a period of 18 years.
"Why shouldn't a felon vote if/when they have completed their sentence and done something to prove that they are no longer a criminal threat?"
If you feel that a criminal is penalized to rehabilitate, then your statement is half right providing the criminal does find something to prove they are no longer a threat (and I can't seem to think of anything that could ever prove that). But the point here is that a felony is not like a traffic ticket and warrants further punishment than some of the watered down sentences these people are getting. The purpose of taking away the privilege to vote, and to control firearms which seem to be the two most complained about areas by the pro-vote groups, is for nothing other than punishment. And let's face it, they still execute some for felonies. I would think having your vote taken away is a clear positive choice to execution.
I don't know if you aware of the problem with the governor's race here in Washington, but over 1100 felons illegally voted in the last election that was decided by less than 130 votes statewide. Funny thing is, just under 230 was the grand total for all but one county, combined, and the pro-liberal county had the rest of over 890. We are looking at Fort Sumpter here with court cases going and election people running for cover. If you don't think Hilery's statements about letting felons vote, and creating another minority sect to be controlled by the liberal party, is not being prayed upon because of their success here in the little watched northwest, then unfortuneatly you are watching your liberal media at work. Good luck.
Red
Felons can vote and bear arms again. They need only petition their governors for the right.
Under no circumstances, however, should restoration of voting or 2nd amendment rights be automatic. By committing a crime, the felon forfeited society's trust and it is his job earn it back.
And a two-time loser should never, EVER get his rights back.