I agree, there should be a probationary time frame. If during that time frame, you keep your nose clean, than you should get your voting rights back.

 

Absolutely.

 

This is America, not soviet Russia. We believe in freedom, democracy and even the occasional second chance. You've got to give me a pretty good reason to permanently strip someone of a pretty fundamental right of American citizenship. A felony conviction from who knows how many years ago isn't good enough for me.

Normally they have slipped up several times before getting a felony conviction, not sure why they should get another do over.

 

There's a whole lot of crimes that are felonies for a first time offense.

 

Don't you believe in giving your kids a second chance when they screw up?

I agree, there should be a probationary time frame. If during that time frame, you keep your nose clean, than you should get your voting rights back.

 

I'm in this boat as well.

I'll play politician: I'll support giving the vote back to convicted felons 5 years after their sentence/probation is completed, if a government issued photo ID is required by all legal voters when voting at the polls.

 

quid pro quo

There's a whole lot of crimes that are felonies for a first time offense.

 

Don't you believe in giving your kids a second chance when they screw up?

Very few are convicted felons for first felony offense, almost all first offenses get plead down. If someone gets a conviction for a felony it's generally not their first rodeo.

 

Sit in court enough and you will see most get way more chances than we give our kids!

I believe in KY after you have served your time you can apply to have your rights restored. I know someone who committed armed robbery a long time ago and got his voting rights restored, received a letter/proclamation from Governor Breathitt.

 

Now that I think of it, not sure if the gun was used. He at least had it on him at time of arrest.

Very few are convicted felons for first felony offense, almost all first offenses get plead down. If someone gets a conviction for a felony it's generally not their first rodeo.

Sit in court enough and you will see most get way more chances than we give our kids!

 

THAT is the truth brother!

That's all well and good, but let's go a little beyond here...

 

Is the law a good law? Should the law be changed to allow ex-cons to vote in certain circumstances?

 

Can't make exceptions based upon circumstances, either they can or can't. Maybe it requires a pardon to allow them voting privileges again? Just don't like it if some are randomly allowed and others are not.

Can't make exceptions based upon circumstances, either they can or can't. Maybe it requires a pardon to allow them voting privileges again? Just don't like it if some are randomly allowed and others are not.

 

Couldn't it be as easy as adding a stipulation that ex-cons of non-violent felonies can be allowed to vote? Or a set period of time upon release from prison?

I agree, there should be a probationary time frame. If during that time frame, you keep your nose clean, than you should get your voting rights back.

 

Agreed. However, I think there are definitely some crimes that should be on a "Sorry...You Lose" list. Voter fraud jumps to mind.

Can't make exceptions based upon circumstances, either they can or they can't..

 

Why not? What kind of awful legal system doesn't change the penalty based on the circumstances of the case? Sounds like Pakistan. It's not random, criteria can always be created. You're jumping to conclusions on a law that hasn't even been written yet.

Couldn't it be as easy as adding a stipulation that ex-cons of non-violent felonies can be allowed to vote? Or a set period of time upon release from prison?

 

I'm cool with that. As long as it is consistent to the crime committed.

You know going in you may have to wait x amount of years after you are released.

Why not? What kind of awful legal system doesn't change the penalty based on the circumstances of the case? Sounds like Pakistan. It's not random, criteria can always be created. You're jumping to conclusions on a law that hasn't even been written yet.

 

I can see your point. Not all murders should be treated equally. Some people are more dead than others.

Just kidding, I can see how law treats certain cases differently and differnet cases come up with various sentencing. My point was that it should be known ahead of time what the potential outcome could be. Sort of like parole I guess. After ex amount of years you can appeal, but that also ties up the legal system. Not sure if it is worth our dollars to have a felon waste tax dollars for a right to vote which he knew he could lose by committing a crime.

Serve your sentence and any probation. Wait 8 years and you can apply to get your voting rights back.

 

You better be a model, employed, tax paying citizen.

Very few are convicted felons for first felony offense, almost all first offenses get plead down. If someone gets a conviction for a felony it's generally not their first rodeo.

 

Sit in court enough and you will see most get way more chances than we give our kids!

 

You may want to spend some more time in court….many are getting hit hard first time regardless due to political pressure.