RIGHT To VOTE

Related Issues: Civil Rights , Law Enforcement , 2008 Election

Tags: vote , reoffending , criminal

Similar Letters: Search for letters similar to this one

Sunday, 04/20/2008 @ 02:19 PM PST

To whom it may concern:

I am writing this letter to adjure you to vote for an end to removing the right to vote from criminal offenders. Studies have shown that people are less likely to offend when they are employed, entreprenuers, are married and are able to meet their finacial obligations. Removal of the right to vote hinders the offenders the offender from being able to participate in owning the only businesses that are the most accessable to the offender upon release, namely, Barbering, contracting and others. See that this is also an unnecessary evil that has outgrown it's usefullness.

Kind Regards,

angel2me

Total Comments: 126

Write your own comment on this letter!

	mgill87, on 04/20/2008 @ 06:41 PM PST wrote:
		I believe changing this law would decrease the numbers of blacks in prison. One of the reasons why a handful of racists throw blacks in jail disproportionately is so they can loose the right to vote, a right that we have had infringed for decades. This is one of the last voting rights battles for blacks.

	Killabyte, on 04/20/2008 @ 09:41 PM PST wrote:
		While your letter addresses reasons to allow CONVICTED FELONS to vote, it doesn't address any of the concerns people have about letting them vote. Do you really want CONVICTED FELONS to vote on issues such as mandatory prison sentences, the "three strikes" rule or other such issues? Sorry, but anyone guilty of a felony doesn't get to participate in the democracy anymore. Nope. Democracy=not yours.

	shannon9812, on 04/20/2008 @ 11:14 PM PST wrote:
		What? I can't even understand what you are trying to say. Convicted felons lose the right to vote, but not those convicted of lesser crimes. I can't really stomach the thought of a child rapist voting on a local ordinance on whether or not child molesters can live next to playgrounds and schools. The ban should stay in place.

	JM4Change, on 04/21/2008 @ 11:04 AM PST wrote:
		Everyone should be represented. No taxation without representation, right? If someone has done their time and been released, they should be entitled to vote. We can't disenfranchise people who we fear will vote in a self-serving manner, or else none of us would have a voice.

	cmhdom31, on 04/23/2008 @ 09:38 PM PST wrote:
		I agree that felons shouldnt be allowed to vote depending on what they were convicted for. I think the harder the crime then no votes but something small they should still be able to vote. cmhdom31

	theatregeek8613, on 04/28/2008 @ 05:02 PM PST wrote:
		Who better than to voice change about the prison system then those who have lived it? Many convicts come out and sincerely want to start over; if the goal truly is rehabilitation than we should give them a secound chance at being citizens.

	AgnesMack, on 05/01/2008 @ 11:58 PM PST wrote:
		Right on. Everyone in this country should be allowed to vote. A mistake that may be 20 years in the past shouldn't change that.

	vanblargen, on 05/02/2008 @ 02:19 PM PST wrote:
		People shouldn't lose their right to have a voice in our counrty becasue of a crime committed. If people don't like the way they think these felons are going to vote, then they need to get out and support their cause

	merlion, on 05/04/2008 @ 01:25 AM PST wrote:
		What has voting got to do with being a barber? I guess i don't know the "rules". But come on, you play you pay and lose your right to vote on things that impact my life.

	texpatriate, on 05/05/2008 @ 08:45 PM PST wrote:
		Convicted felons should not vote. If you want to vote, don't commit felonies. If you're convicted of something less severe, then that's another matter.

	liberty4all, on 05/13/2008 @ 05:17 AM PST wrote:
		This letter is misleading. There are comments agreeing with this letter on both sides of the apparent issue, whether or not convicted felons should have the right to vote. For the commenter who expressed that there should be no taxation without representation, I think perhaps you do not understand the situation. If an individual is convicted of a crime and placed in criminal confinement, their voting rights should be removed as part of the punishment for not being a successful member of society.

	Benjaminna, on 05/13/2008 @ 08:12 PM PST wrote:
		If people don't care enough about the rules and being a productive member of society -I don't think they should be able to vote. I'm talking about major offenses here. I do believe in second chances though so maybe for the time they are on probation their voting rights should be suspended.

	jehb, on 05/17/2008 @ 05:36 PM PST wrote:
		This is something I've been advocating for years. Crime should be treated with rehabilitation, not just punishment, and what better way to make someone feel vested in and responsible for society than working make them a part of the democratic process.

	amanda, on 05/22/2008 @ 01:27 PM PST wrote:
		I hadn't really thoght about this, but I agree with this. It's a good thing to bring up. Thanks for posting it.

	JNitro, on 05/23/2008 @ 01:37 AM PST wrote:
		I agree. Taking away the right to vote is like denying a person of his/her citizenship. Everyone makes mistakes, but that doesn't mean their voice should not be heard.

	ummhafsa, on 05/24/2008 @ 05:49 PM PST wrote:
		Offenders are still residents of this nation and are the most effected by legislations passed by government office. They should still have a voice and be able to vote especially since a great number of people are imprisoned unjustly.

	maxxster, on 05/25/2008 @ 02:38 PM PST wrote:
		I dont believe all the convictions done are rightly done so. There may be some wrong decision on the part of the jury. They should have a right to vote.

	micheleh4p9, on 05/28/2008 @ 02:55 PM PST wrote:
		I agree with this letter. I believe as Americans everyone should have the right to vote to be sure that all populations are represented.

	goldfish79, on 05/28/2008 @ 03:03 PM PST wrote:
		Yes, I agree...once a felon has served their time they should be allowed to function as a citizen again. Their are some cases, such as pedophiles that need to report themselves as they move, etc for the safety of children in the area...but denying them to vote??? That's crazy...what about all of the freaks and psychos out there that have not been caught yet but are voting?!?! Hello!!!!!

	Harley20, on 05/31/2008 @ 05:55 PM PST wrote:
		To mgill87: I want to make sure I understand you correctly. Are you saying that racists are deliberately placing blacks in jail just so they can't vote? You are kidding right?

	cotton0821, on 06/05/2008 @ 09:22 AM PST wrote:
		I do not understand what the right to vote has to do with obtaining a barber's license. Also, a convicted felon is allowed to petition to have his voting rights restored after a time of no further convictions.

	ltygirl04, on 06/05/2008 @ 05:19 PM PST wrote:
		The crimes and actions of convicted felons are a result of their lack of disregard and respect for the law; therefore, I don’t feel as though they should be given the right to vote. They have only lost their right to vote and some of their freedom, imagine what all they have taken from their victims.

	MadScience, on 06/11/2008 @ 12:20 PM PST wrote:
		I totally agree - every U.S. citizen should have the right to vote, regardless of the mistakes they may have made in the past.

	candyapple, on 06/12/2008 @ 05:49 PM PST wrote:
		I agree completely. Why should they be stripped of such a basic right after paying there debt to society? Every citizen should have the right to vote no matter what there past situation.

	jp0037, on 06/12/2008 @ 07:15 PM PST wrote:
		As long as the convicts are forced to abide by the rules, they should have a say in how they are made after they have paid their debt to society. It's only fair.

	amillwar, on 06/13/2008 @ 10:38 AM PST wrote:
		I SO agree. They are offenders of the state and should lose their privlege. Remember, as long as they were garunteed a trial under due process of law, they can have things taken from them.

	hoppingviola, on 06/13/2008 @ 04:07 PM PST wrote:
		There are plenty of heinous awful non-felons voting each election, so the idea that felons would make an awful addition to the voting population is obviously a false thought.

	lizzy, on 06/13/2008 @ 04:14 PM PST wrote:
		yes, when former prisoners are releasded they should be considered to have paid their dues and get a clean slate to build on.

	julieleaps, on 06/14/2008 @ 08:23 PM PST wrote:
		I'm not sure I understand what you are saying here. Do you think criminal offenders should have the right to vote or not? I don't.

	HoovaHard, on 06/16/2008 @ 12:48 AM PST wrote:
		i strongly agree, and the argument seems like it could be made from the purely legal standpoint of double jeopardy... it seems to me the offenders are being punished twice!

	moonwalker, on 06/16/2008 @ 05:07 AM PST wrote:
		A citizen is a citizen, period. Everyone should always have the right to vote.

	lovelymrw, on 06/17/2008 @ 07:06 AM PST wrote:
		I believe if we actually make the immates time inside prison mandatory for education and counseling and work force training instead of a choice, maybe when they get out they'll be more attractive to employers, but right now we just allow consistent abuse on these people and then expect them to get out and become normal citizens, not likely. Yet I do feel that rewarding them with the right to vote once completing their time is the most human thing to do.

	Jeskel83, on 06/17/2008 @ 08:03 AM PST wrote:
		I'm not sure what you are saying, but I think I agree. My husband went threw a bout of bad decisions and bad behavior that resulted in him not being able to vote. I find it ridiculous because he is more interested in whats going on then me and would vote for and understand everything more knowledgable than me, but yet because he was young and dumb he is unable to contribute.

	ccarney, on 06/17/2008 @ 09:08 AM PST wrote:
		I feel as thought criminal offenders can turn their lives around after being released. stripping them of the right to vote just makes them feel like they cant even join in on the simple decision of selecting the leader of their country. Basically everything positive in life is off limits for offenders which is unfair. My step-father is a wonderful man who happened to make a few mistakes in his past which he has learned from. EVERYONE MAKES MISTAKES!!

	ashorey79, on 06/17/2008 @ 10:59 AM PST wrote:
		Losing the right to vote, is a punishment for commiting a crime. Don't like it, don't commit the crime. But on the other hand how many of these criminals were voting before conviction. I doubt many of them are interested after either.

	kvandyke8062, on 06/17/2008 @ 11:28 AM PST wrote:
		I understand where you are coming from, and I do believe that everyone should have the right to vote.

	shannon, on 06/17/2008 @ 12:07 PM PST wrote:
		Once out of jail, offenders should be permitted to vote, as to better reintegrate them into society, rather than brand them as "different."

	publishworm, on 06/17/2008 @ 01:36 PM PST wrote:
		If you don't care enough about laws and other citizens that you find yourself in jail for a felony- you obviously don't need to make decisions in a voting booth.

	AS3122, on 06/17/2008 @ 02:09 PM PST wrote:
		Somethings are a priviledge and voting is one of them, you screw up, you lose the right. I still don't understand why criminals have such comfortable living situations in prison, but that's another topic...

	Anonythomas, on 06/17/2008 @ 02:13 PM PST wrote:
		People are animals, and when you treat them as such - how do you expect them to react? Not everyone understands the "rules" of society as quickly as the masses.

	geminiwench, on 06/17/2008 @ 02:21 PM PST wrote:
		The right to vote is not connected to the right to own business licenses, so I do not understand your letter although I agree with its SENTIMENT.

	easinpc, on 06/17/2008 @ 02:45 PM PST wrote:
		Why should they be allowed to vote? If they wanted those rights than they shouldn't have broken the law in the first place, than they would still be able to vote.

	fl4sun, on 06/17/2008 @ 06:42 PM PST wrote:
		I do not think you should be allowed to vote if you are convicted felon. They broke some sort of law to end up in jail and now they should be given the right to vote for those laws, nope.

	kellyb, on 06/17/2008 @ 07:03 PM PST wrote:
		great letter! I think you are right on. Voting is a right we are all given and to take that away would be unconstitutional

	lwilkinson315, on 06/17/2008 @ 07:08 PM PST wrote:
		What about people who have been convicted of a felony BUT through DNA testing or whatever has been proven innocent- does that person has his right to vote restored???

	KandSMom, on 06/17/2008 @ 08:34 PM PST wrote:
		Restoring voting rights is far down the list of assistance repeat offenders need to straighten up their lives. However I would agree with a policy that allows them to have their rights reinstated if they remain productive tax paying citizens for long enough to repay ALL of their debt to society.

	wende_domm, on 06/17/2008 @ 08:34 PM PST wrote:
		They're breaking the law and should forfeit their right to help make the laws. Besides, it's not all criminals, correct?

	newfoundfocus, on 06/17/2008 @ 09:21 PM PST wrote:
		Just because someone makes a mistake does not mean that they should have their constitutional rights taken from them.

	arun77, on 06/17/2008 @ 09:30 PM PST wrote:
		Everyone should have the right to vote. I have seen many who have left the prisons totally reformed and even more educated than when they entered and they cannot vote because of this law.

	vrtuoswmn2b, on 06/17/2008 @ 09:55 PM PST wrote:
		Thank you for this letter. My husband made a mistake when he was in his early 20's, which resulted in a felony. He is now nearing 50 and has been an upstanding citizen for many years, pays his taxes and contributes to the community. However, he is not allowed to vote for the persons that affect his life while in office.

	raryon65131, on 06/17/2008 @ 09:58 PM PST wrote:
		This is a great Idea...reinfranchise the blacks, hispanics and dirty crackers everywhere! Let them buy back into the system so they will be good little boys and girls and play by the rules! Viva Castro!

	samtaro, on 06/18/2008 @ 12:11 PM PST wrote:
		I completely agree. While these individuals have broken the law, and deserve to have some fundamental freedoms revoked, I feel that the right to vote should never be restricted, no matter what. They are still citizens, they should have a say.

	Andyman2020, on 06/18/2008 @ 12:32 PM PST wrote:
		Why should they be allowed to vote? they did not care about voting when they broke the law? Also they do not take away voting rights for all criminals only certain ones.

	awalters, on 06/18/2008 @ 12:50 PM PST wrote:
		The right to vote is a right in this country and should only be for law abiding citizens. I also say you should only be able to vote if you pay taxes.

	ccsm, on 06/18/2008 @ 01:42 PM PST wrote:
		How does it make sense to let someone who has committed VIOLENT crimes vote on issues such as Shannon9812 mentioned, " I can't really stomach the thought of a child rapist voting on a local ordinance on whether or not child molesters can live next to playgrounds and schools. " Part of being convicted of a felony is having some of your rights taken away as PUNISHMENT for what you did!

	homeskillet, on 06/18/2008 @ 01:50 PM PST wrote:
		I agree with your statements here. I think there should be a timeframe after the felon is released before they get the right back, but it should be given to them no less. I think 2 or 3 years after being released from prison is sufficient to prove that they are a contributing member of society.

	Obamarama, on 06/18/2008 @ 02:50 PM PST wrote:
		People lose sight of the fact that a good number of criminals in prison are just that, CRIMINALS. They sacrificed their rights when they chose to rob, rape, steal, or murder other individuals.

	FlowerPower, on 06/19/2008 @ 11:24 AM PST wrote:
		I didnt break any laws and I can still vote..... hmmm maybe if they care about voting they wouldnt have broken the law? i think it is a good punishment... not that 90% of them would vote anyway

	bveach07, on 06/19/2008 @ 11:58 AM PST wrote:
		I beleive that no matter the crime that taking the right to vote from a citizen no matter in prison or anything is un consitutional. They are already stripped of all their rights in prison and behind bars. So why strip them of more rights? They are learning their lesson behind bars!

	Rgonzalez, on 06/19/2008 @ 12:20 PM PST wrote:
		Just because a person is a criminal they should not have their right to vote taken away. They will someday rejoin the ranks of our society and depending on each situation become a working member of our society and should be allowed to vote the same way that they are taxed .

	foozep23, on 06/19/2008 @ 01:17 PM PST wrote:
		This is pretty vague. This needs to be determined on a case by case basis. You cannot give a murderer voting rights upon his release from prison and I don't care what any studies show, use common sense .

	mw1221, on 06/19/2008 @ 02:59 PM PST wrote:
		Taking away the right ot vote is ridiculous. That is one of the greatest things we earned from this country. Not all offenders are so bad. Taking their votes away would only make them dislike the country more

	LariBear, on 06/19/2008 @ 07:05 PM PST wrote:
		I believe once your debt to society has been paid, ( jail term, parole and fines paid) your punishment should be over

	fatimah, on 06/19/2008 @ 08:05 PM PST wrote:
		Crime should be treated with rehabilitation, not just punishment, and what better way to make someone feel vested in and responsible for society than working make them a part of the democratic process.

	Awathu, on 06/19/2008 @ 09:47 PM PST wrote:
		I think they should be allowed to vote. No one deserves to have that right taken away! Unless it is detrimental to allow an individual to partake for mental reasons.

	Tidefan, on 06/20/2008 @ 10:14 PM PST wrote:
		You don't need to vote to own a business. A criminal record would still follow convicts to any job or business endeavor. The last thing we need is more rights for criminals in this country.

	Occulus, on 06/21/2008 @ 05:09 AM PST wrote:
		Shouldn't they be allowed to vote after they serve their sentence? Isn't that their debt to society?

	Jew_Bagel, on 06/21/2008 @ 07:15 AM PST wrote:
		They are being punished for a reason. Maybe people should think about the fact that there are lasting consequences for their actions/crimes before they commit them instead of expecting people to constantly wipe the slate clean for their benefit. Just because they are ready to be trusted again doesn't mean society is ready to trust them.

	HerrStarr, on 06/21/2008 @ 03:03 PM PST wrote:
		If they're still Americans, they should still be able to vote no matter what. I also think taking away their right to vote would make them feel even more removed from society which could lessen their desire to reform and rejoin that society.

	adegca, on 06/22/2008 @ 12:41 PM PST wrote:
		I agree - too few vote anyway, so if a convict wants to rise above the 70% who are too lazy, we should welcome them.

	dougan321, on 06/22/2008 @ 04:08 PM PST wrote:
		It should stay in place, criminals act for themselves, you want them deciding things that can affect you?

	krieger420, on 06/23/2008 @ 11:29 AM PST wrote:
		I never undestood why they took the right to vote away - do you think a convicted serial killer is even gonna take the time to vote I doubt it but those that get felonies for driver liscense should be able to vote

	arkjarhead, on 06/24/2008 @ 02:40 AM PST wrote:
		They should have thought about being allowed to vote when they commited their crimes. I also don't think it is a black/white issue. It's funny how the mojority of the ones who want to turn things into a race issue are usually black.

	thehawke, on 06/24/2008 @ 08:58 PM PST wrote:
		I mostly agree with this letter. But is it really necessary on a federal level? Many states allow a convicted felon to get his voting rights reinstated after completing their sentence and any parole assigned to them. Now what needs to be done is to make that process EASIER for convicts to get their voting rights back.

	rook89, on 06/25/2008 @ 09:53 AM PST wrote:
		who cares what the studies have shown! You know what if you want a vote then dont be a criminal sounds like a fair trade to me.

	DJDowntown, on 06/25/2008 @ 02:13 PM PST wrote:
		YES. Give ex-offenders the vote. I don't think that voting has any effect on whether they can get a business going, but voting is one more step to feeling like your NOT in prison. And yes, I DO want them voting on prison sentences and prison-related issues. We've got to at least create an avenue (voting) to break the cycle, it's up to them to take it.

	grawpy, on 06/26/2008 @ 07:03 PM PST wrote:
		It bothers me that when criminals have served their time and are released from prison, they are still dogged by numerous impediments on their freedoms such as the inability to vote. Perhaps if they were not saddled with such restrictions some criminals would be less likely to repeat their criminal acts.

	genaruthp, on 07/01/2008 @ 04:00 PM PST wrote:
		It is a hard choice to make. They have done something awful in most cases. But why not give them the chance to show they have been reformed like we like to claim we are doing and allow them the chance to be regular citizens?

	THISDUDE415, on 07/05/2008 @ 12:47 AM PST wrote:
		I do believe that you should learn how to use the large words you use in your letter; it simply doesn't make sense. That being said, the current situation may be adequate.

	reason, on 07/05/2008 @ 12:18 PM PST wrote:
		I agree that criminals should be allowed to vote. They are still Americans with a voice and an opinion. They shouldn't be silenced just because they committed a mistake years prior.

	weloseourselves, on 07/06/2008 @ 05:34 AM PST wrote:
		I do not understand why we strip the right to vote from people after they have finished their sentences. Tim Allen is a convicted felon, from a drug bust he had decades ago. Is there really any reason to prohibit him from voting for president? Or for mayor? What purpose does that serve? The vast majority of peoiple wopuld hardly see that as a punishment. The only thing stripping the right to vote from felons does is disenfranchise a large number of minority voters, since they make up a disproportionate number of felons. And that seems to be the only purpose to it.

	robertsweslyan, on 07/06/2008 @ 02:59 PM PST wrote:
		yes, criminals have done something wrong, but they are still citizens. If they are back in the general public they should have a say in what's going on.

	MedicnPony, on 07/07/2008 @ 12:19 AM PST wrote:
		To vote is the right of the law abiding citizen, not those that choose to turn their backs on their fellow citizens and commit criminal acts against them. There is no excuse for criminal behavior. MedicnPony

	LillProphetsMom, on 07/07/2008 @ 02:19 PM PST wrote:
		First of all if you committed a felony (and I think it depends on the class felony that it is) then you shouldn't be allowed to vote. Now I know a man who has been charged with a felony because he was driving on a suspended license for the third time. Never mind that the first time he didn't know his license had been suspended, the second time he was rushing his girlfriend to the emergancy room, and the third time he was driving in a parking lot checking out a friends car because there was a safety issue with the car. (of course it has something to do with redneck cops too) Anyway, that type felony should hinder a person voting...but murder? rape? child abuse? domestic violence more than once? Hell no! they don't have a right to vote

	sandgrace, on 07/08/2008 @ 01:29 PM PST wrote:
		I don't think that convicted felons should be able to vote, when you choose to commit a felony you give up your rights. I would really worry about felons voting on certain propositions.

	virtuousbound75, on 07/10/2008 @ 06:28 PM PST wrote:
		I am one who is currently suffering this penalty and I hate it. I served my time, paid the price and now I live a so-called normal life...I want to vote, it is so very important to me and I know that be being a convicted felon would not alter a rational decision.

	rebecca9588, on 07/14/2008 @ 09:09 PM PST wrote:
		I had never thought of this point before. But it seems to me that for at least some felons, some of the rights ought to be reinstated as they prove themselves as functioning, contributing members of society.

	ctmontecrsto, on 07/16/2008 @ 01:45 PM PST wrote:
		Amen! This country is doing nothing but recycling criminals. They say its not a one-strike policy here, but in essence it is. Because if one person makes one mistake at the age of 18, and for the rest of their life they have to pay for it. It will follow you for the rest of your life. And yes, as rights are taken away, people become more and more untamed.

	stlcomputer, on 07/18/2008 @ 07:30 AM PST wrote:
		There is a good reason for this law. They need to stop what they are doing.

	smb3235, on 07/18/2008 @ 12:50 PM PST wrote:
		I agree just because someone has made a mistake or many mistakes it should still be their right to vote!

	hcar86, on 07/29/2008 @ 10:38 PM PST wrote:
		I agree with this. It's almost like - convicted of a felon? Nope, you're not entitled to the rights of citizenship anymore.

	amusing817, on 08/01/2008 @ 03:18 PM PST wrote:
		I can see both sides of the issue here. Voting IS a PRIVILEGE given to us, and I can see how that could be taken away for the gravest of offenders. However, there are many reasons, situations and motivations for why people do the things they do. But where do you draw the line?

	NickWGraves, on 08/02/2008 @ 10:07 PM PST wrote:
		Criminals should not be voters, but it would be nice if they could take a 200-question test to regain their voting status. It would be a good compromise.

	sportsman, on 08/02/2008 @ 11:13 PM PST wrote:
		Once you have served your time you should aleast be able to vote. Voting makes us all feel a part of the system we live in.

	alize4eddington, on 08/07/2008 @ 03:47 PM PST wrote:
		I DON'T THINK THIS SHOULD BE IN AFFECT ANYMORE. ONCE A PERSON PAYS FOR THERE CRIME AND TURNS THEIR LIFE AROUND FOR THE BETTER, THINGS SHOLDN'T BE HELD AGAINST THEM FOREVER.

	CarolR, on 08/14/2008 @ 10:02 AM PST wrote:
		I think that once a criminal has paid their debt to society that they should enjoy all rights of citizenship.

	misswilliams, on 08/14/2008 @ 04:18 PM PST wrote:
		i think that the criminals and thugs are too busy comitting thier crimes to even think about voting.

	SouthernTransplant, on 08/19/2008 @ 09:50 AM PST wrote:
		I believe that there are certain things that convicted felons should lose their rights to. Voting is one of them. So is living near a school if you have molested a child and not owning a firearm. I think that if the criminals thought the punishments were more severe from the start, maybe those convicted of felonies would have thought about it before committing those felonies.

	Eagle333Lee, on 09/05/2008 @ 02:28 PM PST wrote:
		I do beleive all Americans should have the right to vote. Afterall, we all live here, criminal or not. We all should have a say so in how our home is run.

	markmark, on 09/05/2008 @ 03:31 PM PST wrote:
		I agree, trying to cancel out their right to vote because they are criminal offenders shouold not have anything to do with their political views. Many of us make mistake, and spending an x amount of years in jail is enough.

	jgome1ib, on 09/24/2008 @ 07:11 PM PST wrote:
		Although I had some trouble following your logic, I do agree with you on this point. You are 100% correct. This unnecessary evil HAS outgrown its usefulness!

	ami_71, on 10/03/2008 @ 07:50 PM PST wrote:
		I agree that removing the right to vote from criminal offenders may not be a good idea. But that right should probably be limited to those that are not necessarily proven psychopaths.

	kcswim, on 10/19/2008 @ 10:47 AM PST wrote:
		You have got to be joking. What's next, the convicted felon has the right to leave incarceration to go to work, on a date, so long as they get home on time....yea I don't think felons should lose any rights....felons shouldn't even be punished....HAHAHA

	juicestain, on 10/22/2008 @ 10:53 PM PST wrote:
		if you wanna vote, live a clean life without any felonies. sure people can change in prison, but some people dont

	targetthyself, on 10/23/2008 @ 02:52 AM PST wrote:
		Call me crazy pull I don't think having a drivers license, or a place of residence, or weather your an ex convict or your not have nothing to do with your companancy to vote its simply Republicans trying to block the vote.

	PAPALOCO_2000, on 10/23/2008 @ 05:49 PM PST wrote:
		THIS LETTER IS THE TRUTH

	benijanaben, on 10/27/2008 @ 11:29 AM PST wrote:
		I believe they should change the law to remove the right to vote for convicted felons with violent crimes.

	TomTheBomb, on 11/17/2008 @ 08:31 PM PST wrote:
		I don't think most people are smart enough to vote (proof: obama was elected). I don't want to thrown felons in the mix.

	firefly, on 11/25/2008 @ 12:50 PM PST wrote:
		Good God!! Are you going to tell me that someone who made some serious mistakes in their life, yet eventually turned their life around and is now a productive member of society, should not be allowed to vote simply because of a criminal history?

	peytoncd, on 12/05/2008 @ 01:41 PM PST wrote:
		I agree to a certain extent. I know many convicted felons who have been more productive members of society since their release than most people. They should vote once they have completed their parole/probation/sentence.

	Marie07, on 12/20/2008 @ 11:24 AM PST wrote:
		Before someone goes to prison they know of the consequences that they will have to face once convicted and one of those is losing their right to vote. If you would like to vote then do not commit the crime. We always saying that whites just like to lock up blacks in prison. Yes the prisons are filled with more blacks than whites, but we put ourselves in there by committing those crimes. So therefore they should lose their right to vote. Sorry

	amandaeshank, on 01/03/2009 @ 10:08 AM PST wrote:
		I don't want convicted fellons to have any say in what happens in this county. It affects my future and our childrens future.

	flightlessplague, on 01/04/2009 @ 04:38 AM PST wrote:
		Many criminal offenders become law abiding citizens for the rest of their lives and it's unfair that they lose that right to vote and express their opinion. If you cannot vote, then you have absolutely no voice in this country.

	gatorguy146, on 01/10/2009 @ 01:32 PM PST wrote:
		I understand what you are saying, but every American should have the right to vote, no matter what they have done. If you are a citizen of this country you should have the right to vote.

	cjasie89, on 01/10/2009 @ 09:41 PM PST wrote:
		Everyone has a voice. Everyone has an opinions. It's freedom of speech. A person can change after being in jail.

	krbdeals, on 01/13/2009 @ 02:56 PM PST wrote:
		Regardless of my societal faults, I am still an American..unless I'm getting deported for a crime, I should be allowed to vote!

	LancerSykera, on 01/18/2009 @ 10:46 PM PST wrote:
		Offenders have served their time for their crime. The punishment is over, they have earned back their freedom.

	amtriska, on 01/26/2009 @ 01:34 PM PST wrote:
		Agreed. Criminals can be rehabilitated and are citizens just like the rest of us. Let he who is without sin cast the first stone.

	PeterSmith, on 01/26/2009 @ 03:41 PM PST wrote:
		There is absolutely no attempt to rehabilitate prisoners. There is also no attempt to address the underlying causes of criminal behavior. There should be.

	Cidra, on 03/17/2009 @ 12:20 AM PST wrote:
		I don't think a felony offender should have the chance to perhaps vote on removing a law which convicted him/her in the first place. If such individuals had concentrated on employment and family, perhaps they wouldn't have offended in the first place.

	Ev461, on 05/06/2009 @ 09:27 PM PST wrote:
		I agree, because I don't think that it will do any real harm to allow them to vote, and it will help them feel less disenfranchised

	oh2ohz, on 05/12/2009 @ 05:31 PM PST wrote:
		"Sorry, but anyone guilty of a felony doesn't get to participate in the democracy anymore." So, it's rule of the people, but only the people who never made a mistake, or were lucky enough to get away with it? Not all felons are horrible, child raping monsters. I made a $90 drug deal to a friend in high school (believe it or not, the only sale i ever made), and got clean/uninvolved with drugs on my own two months before the undercover officer brought charges. I pled guilty, did everything commanded by the court, and you feel I shouldn't have a say on war in Iraq, or how much i pay in taxes? I've paid my debt to society.. or is it the gift that keeps on giving?

	Maco, on 07/02/2009 @ 01:37 PM PST wrote:
		Even criminals should ahve the right to vote. The forfeited most of thiere rights when they got imprisoned, but the right to vote should still be preserved.

	jcarryl, on 07/02/2009 @ 01:49 PM PST wrote:
		Deny the rights of some, you can justify denying the rights of all. Criminality is learned behavior which includes an education in the ways in which one is NOT a member of society. We should encourage people to vote. But this means having a stake in the society doing the voting. Electing a person of color to the highest office in the land goes a long way in this regard but we have so much further to go. We can't cure everybody, but we can try to rectify the social ills that make criminality more likely. Convicted criminals are already at risk of repeat offense because of how marginalized they are. Taking away the right to vote achieves what exactly besides MORE alienation? MORE disengagement? It's punishment for its own sake. Give them back some sense of stakes in this society along with the chance to reform.

	JLowe, on 07/03/2009 @ 04:57 PM PST wrote:
		You are so very right. We are so hell bent on punishing people in this country that we forget how to forgive and love them. They did wrong, but we best encourage them to do right by doing right ourselves through compassion.

	mommy1255, on 07/16/2009 @ 01:53 PM PST wrote:
		Everyone should have the right to vote. Past wrongs should be left in the past. I understand that people can change.