Should ex felons be allowed to vote?

Ky. And several other states deny ex felons the right to vote unless a pardon is granted. They are claiming it is unfair because they have done their time and now have been contributing back to society. I say you knew the rules prior to committing your felony. That was your chance. 7.35% of residents of voting age are banned from casting ballots. Nearly 25% of black residents are banned.
I'm not sure if I'm more shocked by these felons wanting their privilege that they lost back or by the huge % that are current or past felons.

I see both sides. I am okay with ex-felons not being allowed to vote. I also am not opposed to allowing them to vote.

I think maybe upon their release they are put on a 5 year probationary period and if they are still a free and contributing member to society then and only then can they earn their right to vote again. I think that would be fair.

I believe that if a felon has served their sentence and done what they were required to do if more was required, that after a period (hypothetically 5 years) in which they've proven themselves to be productive members of society, their right to vote should be restored.

What if the felony was voter fraud?

If it is that important to have the right to vote then don't commit the felony.

Originally Posted by Run To State

What if the felony was voter fraud?

Lose all rights to vote. No questions asked.

Kind of like how sexual offenders are registered and not allowed to be around schools.

Originally Posted by Omega Man

If it is that important to have the right to vote then don't commit the felony.

The people who commit felonies obviously don't have the maturity to not commit the crime in the first place. Voting rights are far from their mind. If a felon can rehabilitate their behavior after serving their debt to society and then complete a probationary period knowing their voting rights can be restored after proving to be a productive member of society after that period is over seems reasonable.

I think it should go by the length of the sentence. Not years served. If you were sentenced to 20 and you get parolled at 12 you have 8 years to stay out of jail and prove yourself.

Life sentence you're done.

Multiple felonies your done.

I would put a 5 year minimum from release.

Originally Posted by rockmom

I believe that if a felon has served their sentence and done what they were required to do if more was required, that after a period (hypothetically 5 years) in which they've proven themselves to be productive members of society, their right to vote should be restored.

Word

At some point they should be able to vote.

I'm sure most felons could care less about voting anyway.

Because there are so many different levels of felonies, I'd be okay with allowing felons to vote but only after their full sentence, as coldweatherfan suggested.

Originally Posted by mountain ref

I'm sure most felons could care less about voting anyway.

You are right most of the felons and perpetrators of misdemeanors that I come in contact with could care less about an election, unless someone was giving them something for voting.

Originally Posted by PurplePride92

The people who commit felonies obviously don't have the maturity to not commit the crime in the first place. Voting rights are far from their mind. If a felon can rehabilitate their behavior after serving their debt to society and then complete a probationary period knowing their voting rights can be restored after proving to be a productive member of society after that period is over seems reasonable.

Maturity? Hmmm. I'll have to think about that comment. I guess after a few years in the slammer you grow up?
As mentioned a pardon would allow voters rights back anyway.

Originally Posted by Omega Man

Maturity? Hmmm. I'll have to think about that comment. I guess after a few years in the slammer you grow up?
As mentioned a pardon would allow voters rights back anyway.

I'm speaking on a majority and not the few lucky that are able to be pardoned.

Keep in mind that I said they need to be on a probationary period of 5 years AFTER they are released from prison. I think that takes care of the 'few years in the slammer and you grow up' statement you made.

I think if you are working and filing/paying taxes that are signed into law by those who are elected, then you should be allowed to vote.

Originally Posted by Run To State

What if the felony was voter fraud?

That's a horse of a different color IMO.

Would they have to show photo ID?

First gut response it no. That's without giving it much thought. I agree with rockmom.

Where did stripping voting rights of felons begin? I have always felt if you have paid your debt to society, in prison, then you should become a "normal" citizen again. If you are out under any type of a parole, ok. But felons have a black cloud over them the rest of their lives. That is a them problem, but always felt this was just pouring added salt to the wound.