Free Republic

(CNSNews.com) – Three days after announcing that the U.S. Justice Department will recognize same-sex marriages in all legal matters, even in states that forbid it, Attorney General Eric Holder took a swipe at states that don’t allow felons to vote. “In many states, felony disenfranchisement laws are still on the books. And the current scope of these policies is not only too significant to ignore -- it is also too unjust to tolerate,” Holder told a criminal justice forum at Georgetown University Law Center. Holder urged lawmakers “to stand together in overturning an unfortunate and outdated status quo.” And he...

WASHINGTON -- The Supreme Court refused Monday to review Florida's lifetime ban on voting rights for convicted felons, a case that would have had national implications for millions of would-be voters. Justices declined to hear a challenge to Florida's 19th century ban, which applies to inmates and those who have served their time and been released. Felons are kept from voting in every state but Maine and Vermont, although restrictions vary. The issue of voter eligibility got renewed attention after the 2000 presidential election, which was decided by fewer than 600 votes in Florida. The Florida appeal had been closely...