Ex-Cons Say They Want to Vote

Fox News ^ | 10.01.02

[Enemy Of The State]

WASHINGTON

[Wonder Warthog]

"Seems to me that it would be unconstitutional to take away the rights of anyone to vote. If they have paid their debt to society and continue to pay taxes to the government why should they not be allowed to vote...being an ex-con does not mean your not an American citizen."

So, they should be allowed to vote from their jail cells?? Sorry, but upon conviction for a felony, one LOSES certain rights normally protected by the Constitution. The time frame for the loss depends on strictly upon the actions of the individual. Note that the complaining idiot COULD HAVE VOTED in the state he moved to if he had just jumped through the appropriate legal hoops (applied for clemency).

Personally, I think "legal rehabilitation" or "clemency" or whatever the procedure is called in different states should apply to ALL Constitutional rights (including gun ownership).

[Enemy Of The State]

"I can see Jesse yelling now claiming that since most repeat offenders are black"

Thats not racism, thats just the law of statistics!

[17th Miss Regt]

This form of additional sanctions pre-dates the US constitution. It has been used throughout history to mark certain individuals as having committed evil acts in the past. A mark of Cain, so to speak. There is nothing immoral about it.

[Enemy Of The State]

I didnt mention anything about not forfeiting rights while they serve their time...but the right to vote should be restored upon payment of debt to society.

[CharacterCounts]

"I think that's bullshit"

The Constitution of the U. S. does speak to voting rights of citizens in the 15th Amendment.

Section. 1. The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude.

Doesn't say anything about not being able to deny the vote to convicted felons.

The constitution doesn' say that the state can put you in prison for commiting crimes either, maybe all felons should be released at once.

[Tomalak]

Why should people who do not obey the law get a say in making those laws? If you want a say in how society is run, you have an equal obligation to play by the rules of society. It is like joining a club and then not playing by members' rules: you don't then get a voice in how the club works.

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[jstone78]

{"....If they have paid their debt to society and continue to pay taxes to the government why should they not be allowed to vote...being an ex-con does not mean your not an American citizen...."}

On constitutional principle, you are right. All citizens who pay taxes should have the right to vote.

But if ex-felons are allowed to vote, it will hurt the Republican Party, and Democrats will gain greater support. My guess is that, perhaps 70 percent of ex-cons, may be inclined towards the Democrats.

Therefore, as a matter of pure politics and the survival of the GOP, Republicans will fight like hell to prevent ex-cons from voting.

Considering that the GOP lost the popular vote in 2000 by about 500,000 votes, imagine what impact 3.9 million ex-cons can have on Presidential and Congressional elections.

[Enemy Of The State]

pre-dating the constitution?

So did King George!

The Constitution is the rule of law.

[Enemy Of The State]

"Doesn't say anything about not being able to deny the vote to convicted felons."

Thats part of the problem! The states powers are not mentioned but your rights are listed? phooey!

[Tomalak]

That's all we need. More Democrats.

I have to agree. Many Republicans could lose their seats through a change like this - is it really right that criminals should be able to overturn the democratic decisions of the decent majority?

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[Enemy Of The State]

"Republicans will fight like hell to prevent ex-cons from voting."

Personally Im for the downfall of the party system period! Particularly those which would seek to deny Americans their vote simply to maintain the strength of thir party!

[17th Miss Regt]

No, the rule of law is the undergirding of the Constitution. The two are not equivalent. The Constitution does not prohibit further societal sanctions for evil behavior. See Wonder Warthog's post # 26.

[Wonder Warthog]

"I didnt mention anything about not forfeiting rights while they serve their time...but the right to vote should be restored upon payment of debt to society."

And it can be. All that is necessary is to apply to the state government, and demonstrate a "clean bill of health" (i.e. good citizenship--no crime) before the court. As to a completely automatic restoration--no thanks--the current procedure is adequate.

[chachacha]

Can you show me anything in the constitution which says the govt. has a right to deny anyone a voice in their govt.

No I can't but, it should!

[Tomalak]

Can you show me anything in the constitution which says the govt. has a right to deny anyone a voice in their govt?

I can't point to anywhere in the constitution where is says citizens have the right to drive a car, either. Does that make driving wrong? Does that mean we should make driving illegal?

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[CharacterCounts]

Being able vote is not a God given right anymore than being able to run for President is. God given rights are individual rights which have nothing to do with the government, thats why the government is not allowed to infringe upon them.

Voting rights have everything to do with the government and the government by Constitution and statutes can provide for rules respecting them.

The constitution doesn't say that children can't vote, either. Should we give the vote to nine year olds?

The problem with this country is we have too many people voting already.

[Tralfaze McWatt]

The 10th amendment spells out the powers of state governments, basically all powers not prohibited by the constitution, including the definition of what is and whatis not a civil right. Revoking the priviledge to vote due to a felony conviction is a power exercised, constitutionally, by any state that so chooses. If felons want to restore their voting priviledges, they should petition each statehouse to change their respective laws.

[AEMILIUS PAULUS]

Why not? Criminals already hold all the offices.

[windchime]

'"I've changed my life and I'm a productive citizen, yet I feel that I'm without citizenship," said Johnson..... I've never committed a crime in Florida,"'



What EXTRA CREDIT do those of us who have NEVER committed a crime get?! Johnson needs to stop whining!!

[Tomalak]

God given rights are individual rights which have nothing to do with the government, thats why the government is not allowed to infringe upon them.

... The constitution doesn't say that children can't vote, either. Should we give the vote to nine year olds?

Exactly! Well said.

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