Voting rights for convicted felons??????
By speedy1279
@speedy1279 (2665)
United States
February 26, 2008 8:55am CST
Now I know this is probably going to be a very sensitive subject. So before I go any further please be curtieous to other peoples opinions.
This morning when I was taking my stepson to school. I noticed that his school is a polling location. That got me to thinking about convicted felons and thier right to vote. Now here in Florida convicted felons lose thier right to vote. But I was reading online that Florida is only 1 of 3 states that do this. Where all other states allow convicted felons to vote. As of right now our new governor is working to restate convicted felons the right to vote. I am not sure I like this idea. The main reason is because some polling locations are elementary schools. I don't like the idea of a convicted felon being able to go to a school to vote and be around children. Luckily for now I don't have to worry about it because of our current law.
What is your opinion about convicted felons being able to vote or not? Now I know even though they have done bad things, they are still Americans and the constitution gives anyone age 18 and older the right to vote. But should this be right? Should they still be able to vote? Or should they lose that right? Why or why not?
What about being able to vote at schools where there are children? If they are able to vote, should they be allowed to go to a school and vote? Or should they all have to go to a different location where there are no children around?
If you live in a foreign country. What are the laws where you live about convicted felons and there rights to vote?
Please share your thoughts on this!
1 person likes this
7 responses
@violeta_va (4831)
• Australia
26 Feb 08
I dont know how it all works out in America but in Australia I belive that they cant vote in prison if they are serving more than 3 years or something like that. Considering that we have elections every 3 years (or 4 not sure) it makes perfect sence to me. Why would felons decide the outcome of an election when they cant benefit from 99% of what the elections are about. Once they are out I have no problem with them doing so (vote). Elections in Australia are always on weekedns so there is no danger to kids at all. The other point I wanted to make is this. My husband applied for australian citizenship. Now we have to proove that he is of a good character so he would get it and be able to vote and get a pasport and all that. As it is my husband has no rights to vote which is fair but when you compare him to most criminals there is a huge diference. My husband managed to learn solid English in 4 years he works 2 jobs as a social worker (that one is only 1-2 times a month) he also works in a nursing home. He goes to school to furder his studies, he goes to school to improve his English, he has been a volonteer since the day he arived to Australia and has been involved in about 10 organisations where he helps (this is all social work related). Maybe felons should do the same proove that they deserve the right to vote prove that they a law obidient citizens?
1 person likes this
@speedy1279 (2665)
• United States
26 Feb 08
Some very good points!!! I believe that convicted felons here in America are not allowed to vote while in prison. But most states let them vote after they get out. There are only three states that don't do this. I am sorry to hear that your husband is having a hard time getting his citizenship. But what he has to go through to prove himself is defiently a good idea to have felons do as well.
@speedy1279 (2665)
• United States
27 Feb 08
Well that does make perfectly good sense. Thanks for sharing! Best of luck!
@violeta_va (4831)
• Australia
26 Feb 08
its not just my husband that has to do it its everyone that wants to become a citizen and that is perfecly ok and they have every right to do so because in the years that they have lived in Australia if they cant proove that they are law obidient and of good character than why should they enjoy the same rights as the rest of the population.
My point is that fellons should not automaticly recive the right to vote back as soon as they walk out of prison. Why is a rapist more deserving to change the future of australia (lets face it somethimest it comes to 5 votes difference).
1 person likes this
@redrover (597)
• United States
26 Feb 08
I think felons she be aloud to vote. They served their time and deserve to get their rights back. Depending on the crime, i don't think they can do much harm at school. Even so they should be able to vote, even if by mail or at special location.
1 person likes this
@speedy1279 (2665)
• United States
26 Feb 08
That's how I feel. If they are going to be given the right to vote again. Then set up a special location for them to do thier voting. If they have no respect for society and choose to do bad things then why should we allow them to vote at the same location as us. Make them have to go to the court house to vote or something.
@Thoroughrob (11742)
• United States
26 Feb 08
Our state lets you vote early, with an absentee vote. That is how they should have them do it. That way they are not in the schools, with alot of kids.
1 person likes this
@speedy1279 (2665)
• United States
27 Feb 08
Absentee voting for convicts? Now that would be a great idea. They wouldn't need a special place and they wouldn't be around our children. I like that idea. Thanks for sharing!
@simplyman2006 (1706)
• India
28 Feb 08
well i live in india and the same law is here. and voting is held in schools.
well i think we should not stop people who did crime for voting because not of bad activities. because of might be they gonna vote that man who will do right thiung for country.
1 person likes this
@terri0824 (4991)
• United States
26 Feb 08
I live in Indiana and I believe that is the same law here that a felon loses the right to vote. I agree with you, if they do put it into law the right to vote then, they should have a special polling place for them to vote.
1 person likes this
@speedy1279 (2665)
• United States
27 Feb 08
So Indiana is one of the other three states. I was wondering what the other states were. As the website I was reading didn't say. I agree they should definitly make a special polling place for convicted felons if they are going to be given the right to vote.
@Mare73 (1335)
• United States
26 Feb 08
People with felonies can not vote. They can however apply for a Conduct of Relief and possibly regain that right.
Do I think they should be able to vote? NO - unfortunately you do a crime, and although you may have paid your time in jail... It's a lesson that needs to be learned.
1 person likes this
@speedy1279 (2665)
• United States
26 Feb 08
I am curious as to what state you live in? Because the website I read stated that there was only 3 states the don't allow convicted felons to vote. Where all of the rest do allow them to vote once they are out of prison. Here is the link to the website I read.
http://www.aclufl.org/issues/voting_rights/florida_voting_ban.cfm
@twoey68 (13627)
• United States
27 Jul 08
Here in our town, I believe that the voting is done at the city hall. I think it should be in a place like that. I can't imagine why they'd put it in a school unless they are just making it convenient for parents when they pick up/drop off their kids. I think once a convict has served his time, it shouldn't be held against him but at the same time convicts are not exactly the kind of ppl we want roaming childrens schools.
**AT PEACE WITHIN**
~~STAND STRONG IN YOUR BELIEFS~~
