please explain to me- why can't felons who have served their time vote?

[w8liftinglady]

I have never understood this.Can you enlighten me with some facts,background,etc?

[MADem]

1. It's a state, not a federal, matter.

Two states allow prisoners to vote from jail.

See: http://felonvoting.procon.org/view.resource.php?resourceID=286

[JPZenger]

2. Was overturned in PA

The law in PA that forbid felons from voting was overturned by state courts several years ago. In PA, a person can vote regardless of their situation, probationary status, etc. as long as they are not actually in prison on election day.

[frazzled]

3. Only 4 states disenfranchise felons permanently

The laws differ by state. Here's a map with a key that explains.



http://www.aclu.org/map-state-felony-disfranchisement-laws

[LynneSin]

4. Because former felons tend to vote democrat

And republicans don't like that.

[Arctic Dave]

9. Except in Alaska.

They tend to run as republicans.

[Canuckistanian]

18. Hahaha

Good one!

[TreasonousBastard]

5. From Wikipedia, but seems a good account...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Felony_disenfranchisement

[Auntie Bush]

6. Republicans probably help continue this practice because

All those ex-felons would probably vote Democratic.

[w8liftinglady]

7. In Texas,Home of the private prison,this is a major issue

http://www.sos.state.tx.us/elections/laws/effects.shtml

"As you are well aware, a person who is finally convicted of a felony is not eligible to register to vote (what is legally considered a final felony conviction is set forth in more detail under "Final Felony Convictions" below). Pursuant to Section 11.002 of the Texas Election Code (the "Code&quot , once a felon has successfully completed his or her punishment, including any term of incarceration, parole, supervision, period of probation, or has been pardoned, then that person is immediately eligible to register to vote. "

Not only is this confusing,but it sets up yet another way to block voter registration.

[sammytko]

27. But if you are already registered to vote you can, even from prison in Texas

I just sent off my mothers mail in ballot request ( she's not in prison btw) and it had a list of people who can vote by mail and prisoners was one of them.

[goclark]

8. Naacp President Ben Jealous was on msm this

morning.
It was excellent !
A very well spoken African American young lady addressed the issue with him.
She was an ex felon- AAmericans are "surprise" abundantly affected.
It should be on video by now...it was either msnbc or Cnn.
I'll try to find it.

[NBachers]

10. I'm fortunate to live in California, where I can vote with a federal prison record.

And, believe me, I vote

[Jeff In Milwaukee]

11. Because many of them are Black...

That is all.

No reason, no excuse to tell an American Citizen who has served his/her time that he can't vote.

[gollygee]

12. I don't understand the justification for this either

Once you've served your time, you re-enter society. At no time do you lose your citizenship. I don't think there is a valid why a felon who has served their sentence can't vote.

[HopeHoops]

13. Old rule.

[cthulu2016]

14. Because "inalienable" is a tricky concept to some people

If Thomas Jefferson has said unalienable, which I think is the correct word, perhaps it would have fewer loopholes <joke>

[oswaldactedalone]

15. In NC

once you've paid your debt in terms of probation, parole, and restitution, your rights are restored and you can vote. You just have to register.

[sinkingfeeling]

16. They can in some of the states, but not in others. I think it's wrong to continue

'punishment' after they have served their time.

[w8liftinglady]

17. and make it difficult to register again

[gopiscrap]

19. I would call for a national movement

anyone convicted of a felony who has served his her time in prison, or jail and is denied the right to vote should refuse to pay any taxes or keep reciepts and call for a refund of any sales tax paid..also should protest loudly in front of state capitols and polling places!!!

[cali]

20. Beats me. In my state those in prison can vote.

[HeeBGBz]

21. Since I am facing a felony, I am curious also

If you move to a state that allows you to vote, after being convicted in a state that doesn't, which rules do you go by?

[DollarBillHines]

23. Your state of residence.

Under Texas law, I couldn't vote while living there. In California, I can vote but not serve on a jury (thank heavens!).

Good luck with your case.
DBH

[HeeBGBz]

24. Thank you n/t

[Blue_In_AK]

22. They can in many states.

In Alaska a felon who has served his time and any probation/ parole gets his voting rights restored upon request.

[AzSweet]

25. Many states allow...

...you to request your rights back after serving your time. Its a process, but worth it.A friend of mine just went through it in VA. Unfotunately, she's probably voting Repub.

[government101]

26. vote

They are not allowed to vote because they broke the social contract and when you break the social contract all your rights are taken away. The social contract was an idea set up by John Locke and any other philosophers whose ideas are part of the framework of our Constitution. A felon infringed on someone else's rights and doesn't deserve the rights that they have therefore they are taken away.

[jody]

28. Convicted felons who have paid their debt to society should have all their civil rights restored

automatically.

[spanone]

29. k&r...

[limpyhobbler]

30. Probably alot of felons can vote but they don't even realize it.

In one of his first acts after assuming office last year, Scott reversed former GOP governor Charlie Crist's decision to automatically restore the voting and other rights of non-violent felons who served their sentences.

Scott's action made Florida one of four states -- along with Iowa, Kentucky and Virginia -- where felons must go through additional steps before getting back their rights.

Florida now requires felons to wait at least five years (seven years, if their crime was serious) before they can apply for restoration of their civil rights, including the right to vote. The Clemency Board, which includes the governor and the three elected state Cabinet members, has up to six years to review each application individually...

http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2012/10/01/felons-ballot-access-florida/1607151/