Whose side is the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals on anyway? Since when does the Voting Rights Act of 1965 forbid states from stripping felons of their right to vote? While some people probably shouldn't vote, others don't deserve to vote entirely. What's your take?
Felons have lost their right to vote
I believe that felons should not be able to vote. They lost that right when they broke the law on purpose. The opinions are not very useful when thought about. The real crime would be to let the convicted felons vote because they would probably vote for laws that concern the law and how to deal with felons. Since they are felons, they probably will vote to make the laws easier on felons so they have less punishment. I agree with Eric when he said that the falsly accused are getting denied the right to vote but the only consolation is that their numbers don't make up a majority and will not make a big difference in the vote.
ReplyDeleteLogan Rhind
Period 3
I agree with the laws forbidding felons from voting. These people had their chance to be part of society, and they blew it. Most of these people have no respect for the law or our country. Why should we, the common law-abiding citizens, let them choose our leaders? These felons likely have personal interests that would clearly affect their vote. They're felons for a reason, they commited a serious crime. These aren't your shoplifters or simple traffic violaters, these are your serial killers and child molesters. They should NOT be given the right to vote. One love
ReplyDeleteDanny Muhlbach
Per. 5
I'm kinda stuck in the middle: While I agree that people who are currently felons should not vote I disagree with the statement that all felons and criminals should not vote. I feel that after a certain time after a felon has done their time they should be allowed to vote. They are citizens after all and have probably paid taxes at one point in their lifetime. And if they haven't well they're probably still running from the po po. I want to conclude with saying that though felons should have certain restrictions and privileges taken away they should still be treated as citizens and not have all their rights stripped away from them. If I was persuaded with pros and cons I may be able to see that felons should not vote but this is my opinion for now.
ReplyDeleteAleena M
Per. 3
I believe that felons should not have the right to vote. If felons cannot follow the laws of the land, how can they vote for them? It is said in the article, "If you aren't willing to follow the law, you can't demand a role in making the law." It is not alright to make the rules and then not follow them. Felons are given the choice of whether or not to commit a crime. Race should not impact whether or not a person votes, for it is not a choice. The fact that felons choose to commit a crime should weigh heavy on the choice of whether or not felons should be allowed to vote.
ReplyDeleteSarah Meltreger
period three
I agree with this article. Those who do not follow the law should not be allowed to have a decision on making the law. Felons have obviously commited a crime that goes against trustworthiness, that is expected when voting. Not everyone can vote and in a sense it is a privilege to vote, to show your civic duty. In a way however, would it really make a difference if they could? Voter turnout is low and would letting criminals vote make a difference? Maybe not but i do not truly believe they deserve the right to vote. I know this may seem radical but there are already restrictions on voting and not allowing felons to vote does not go against any amendments anyway. Its simple following the law should mean you can vote for the law.
ReplyDeleteHaley Couser
Period 3
The author is definitely bringing in the racist card but he himself is not being truly racist. Looking at the constitution there is nothing saying very clearly wether or not they should be allowed to vote. But! i do agree that felons should not be allowed to vote simply because they broke the law so why should they be allowed to make it when they broke it.
ReplyDeletelucas cogger
period 2
I agree that felons should not be allowed to vote. When we vote, we are making decisions that affect not only ourselves, but the people of this nation, and by voting on those decisions, we are agreeing to follow them; and even if you don't vote for a particular decision, you are required as an American citizen to follow the laws of this nation. I agree with the author when he states, "If you aren't willing to follow the law, you can't demand a role in making the law." The only time it is ever acceptable to break a law, and I think Martin Luther King Jr. put it best when he said, "An unjust law is no law at all" and that "one has a moral responsibility to disobey unjust laws". So unless someone is breaking an "unjust law", which is one that is violating their basic rights, they have no right commiting a crime because by doing so they are asserting themselves above the law, figuring that it doesn't apply to them. So when a felon has proven that they can abide by the laws, that is when they should receive a part in making them, but until then, they should take this time out to reflect on why it is we have these laws in place, and learn that in America, everyone is equal, so why should they be any different?
ReplyDeleteLina Casillas
Period 3
"When someone is kept from voting because he has been convicted of a felony" I completely agree that felons shouldn't vote.They gave up that right as soon as they comitted the crime! No exceptions we really dont need stupid people to even vote. in addition i bet that the majority of felons don't vote and probably never voted before. And like lucus said why should they even be able to make the law when they are the ones who break it.
ReplyDeleteJessica Rodriguez
period 3 ^__^
I believe felons should not be able to vote because they have broken the law and should not be able to vote for the laws they are going to break anyways. Furthermore voter turnout in America is low anyways would the felons even vote if the people who don't commit crimes don't vote as much anyways? People who have committed a crime should have thought about their reputation and what they would lose in doing such act. America fought for the rights to vote and its a liberty not a right.
ReplyDeleteChristian De Silva
Period 3
I Strongly agree with this article. Those who do not follow the law should not be allowed to have a decision on making the law. trust has been violated after committing such a crime. And voting in my opinion is a luxury and would the felons being able to vote make a difference at all? As many have stated it is true voting turnout is low. So to end this topic I agree that if one abides by the law then one may vote for the law
ReplyDeleteDante Brinoccoli
per 2
I do not believe felons should be allowed to vote. Firstly, they have consciously chosen to break the law, showing that they do not respect those who have made them or what they stand for. Secondly,just because there happen to be a larger number of African American or Latino felons this does not mean that barring them from the vote is racist, it simply suggests that we should do something to target the cause of the minority's tendency toward crime. Lastly, criminal votes would only allow for lesser punishments for those who break the law, which would lead to even more crime.
ReplyDeleteCiara Chaparro Per. 2
Although not letting felons vote seems like its unconstitutional and discriminatory, i believe it is the best thing to do. When these felons break the law, they are doing something against the country's laws and didnt bother to respect it. Therefore why should the government bother to protect their rights and let them vote? These rights are priveliges the United States gives us, and they didnt appreciate that therefore its a good thing they dont vote.
ReplyDeleteAlexis Kakish
Period 2
I agree that felons shouldn't be allowed to vote. Although there are many of those who have been convicted of a serious crime that have some political efficacy and are able to make good voting decisions,why should they be able to make these laws present when they cant even follow the laws we have already? The statement in the article saying "If you aren't willing to follow the law, you can't demand a role in making the law" makes a valid point because if the felons see the laws already being upheld as unimportant, then people feel they wont take their part in creating new laws seriously. No person is above the laws and once someone, such as a felon, puts themselves above it, that is when they should be not allowed to vote. Ultimately, they have their own benefits in mind, not the benefits for the people.
ReplyDeleteBrandie Lomas
Period 2
I believe that felons shouldn't vote. As mentioned in the article "If you aren't willing to follow the law, you can't demand a role in making the law". Felons are people who have violated the law and thus do not respect it. A privilege of being able to vote is being able to have a say in the laws the government issues. Felons are aware of the consequences before breaking the law and thus they renounce the privilege of voting when they are convicted guilty of their crimes.
ReplyDeleteDaniela Suasnabar
Pd.2
Obviously felons are in prison for a reason. They're not just "doing time" for fun. They are locked up because they're disobedient and they do not represent the government/country in a proper way. So why should we let them vote? If they can't even follow laws why should they have a say in how to regulate them. To me the idea of letting a murderer or any other type of felon vote, is completely insane. These felons must have mental problems to not be able to follow the law and to commit digusting, unimaginable crimes and as for their liberty, well they lost it when they disrespected and disregarded the government. Do I want a careless law-breaker to be taking part and possibly affecting how the country runs, voting on important issues? uh no thank you.
ReplyDeleteAngel Baquero
p.3
I believe that felons shouldn't be able to vote. The only good that would come out of allowing them to vote would be what might be a higher voter turnout. Even if given the opportunity,I believe felons wouldn't vote on important political issues but only on issues pertaining to themselves or the justice system. They had to make bad decisions to become felons, so they would most likely do the same while voting.
ReplyDeleteDaniel Hidalgo
Period 2
I agree that felons should not be able to vote. Like the article says, there exists a standard of common loyalty/trustworthiness that allows one the privilege to vote. Because felons do not meet this standard of responsibility, they should not be given the privilege to vote. It is hard for someone that does not respect the laws of our country to vote in favor of improving it. As for the racial issue, I do not think that stripping the rights of felons can be called a form of racial discrimination. You are renouncing the privilege to vote from the FELON, no one else.
ReplyDeleteKaren Sun
Per. 2
The right to vote can be either a very positive or negative tool depending on the type of people who wield it. Those who commit crimes or felonies have shown that they are not very responsible with their actions, and this attitude will most likely carry over to their voting responsibilities. How could someone have the right to vote for a law that they may eventually break as a crime or felony? As a result, felons should not be able to vote in elections since they obviously do not even care about laws that are already set in place.
ReplyDeleteVictor Aguilar
Per. 3
I personally agree with the laws that deny felons the right to vote. Sure, they are still Americans, but they deliberately broke the law. Which is just saying that they went against the federal government. Even if we do let them vote, how will we know that they understand what they are voting for. As well, they might vote for laws that enable less punishment for them. The truth on what may happen when felons vote is something that is uncertain. Sure by law they are not denied their right to vote, but how many inmates will actually vote or even vote truthfully.
ReplyDeleteI do agree that felons should not be granted the right to vote, however I do believe that some misdemeanor crime felons should have the right to vote. If someone goes to jail for not paying traffic tickets, does that disqualify them as a adequate member of the voting party? But someone that has created a very serious crime should not be allowed to vote because of their ignorance to the laws set forth in front of them. If they cannot follow a law that was voted on, why allow them the privilege to vote for another law? I agree with the article's integrity but do believe that there are some small circumstances in which some "felons" should still be allowed the right to vote.
ReplyDeleteBecca Lynch
Per. 2
I agree with this article and I dont think felons should have the right to vote. They are the ones that commited the crime that put them into jail so its their fault that they cant vote. And even if they wanted to vote I dont think they would even take it seriously or they would vote for things that would only help themselves. They wouldn't even have sufficient information to make a logical vote. All im saying is if you do the crime you pay the time and voting is a right that should be taken away, and I dont think this has anything to do with raciscm, because whoevers in there should all be treated equally.
ReplyDeleteCarlos Espinal
Per. 2
I personally agree with the laws that deny felons to vote. Sure by law their right to vote cannot be denied to them. However, how many inmates will actually vote with enough understanding of what they are voting on, or how many will even vote At all?? If felons were allowed to vote they many vote on laws that decrease the amount of punishment on them. Or they might just put anything on the ballot, since they may not even know what they are voting for. Sure they are still Americans but they have purposely broken the law which is going against the government.
ReplyDeleteShane Valenzuela Per.3
I strongly agree that felons should not have the right to vote. First of all, that felon gave up his/her rights as a citizen to be able to vote the day he/she decided to violate the law. Besides its not like felons' would be changed by the outcome of elections because they are separated from the rest of society in a 6'x8' cell. Why should America include the votes of rapists, child molesters, murderers or robbers? They've showed no disregard for the Constitutional rights of others or that of their own. How can a felon perform civic duty when he/she has shown no sense responsibility in society? Felons chose that consequence so now they have to suck it up and face the music.
ReplyDeleteKristine Lew
Period 3
I agree with the author of this article. Denying felons the right to vote does not contradict the 15th amendment because it disenfranchises all felons, no matter what race. It is not as if white felons can vote while black felons can’t. Denying felons the right to vote is not prohibited nor is the decision granted to the federal government in the Constitution, thus the states are free to decide.
ReplyDeleteKatie Yuhas
period 3
If you think that giving felons free board and meals for a sustained period of time isn't punishment enough, then i'd say you had bulletproof logic. There really isn't much the prison systems do besides give criminals skills to comit more crimes. Go to prison a purse snatcher and level up to a rapist. So honestly giving them the right to vote would probably encourage people to comit crimes. If someone said to me go rob a bank, if you succeed you get a crapload of money but if you fail you get to live off of tax dollars and lose none of the emenities of an honest joe. I'd probably rob that bank.
ReplyDeleteBrian Gilland
Period 2
When a child breaks a rule that child's parents take something away from them. This I the ame concept as taking away the right to vote from felons. We cannot reward bad behavior. I believe as long as the felon has a right to earn back his voting privileges then this law is just. Ryan ristow per 3
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with this article stating that felons should be denied the right to vote. Breaking the law is a serious matter and being denied the right to vote should be included as a form of punishment for a felon. They had every intention of breaking the law, thus they do not deserve the same rights that non-felon Americans have. They may still be Americans, but it still does not mean they should not be able to do whatever they want without even thinking.
ReplyDeleteI understand what Aleena is saying because at first, I thought the same thing..People change, time changes people, etc. I was stuck in deciding whether if they should vote after a certain time.. but NOW I agree with this article completely. Truthfully, I believe that felons should not be allowed the same rights as those who fully follow the law. Although they may still be part of the country and be American, but they broke the law which causes them to not have the same rights as the citizens who follow all the laws as an American citizen. They shouldn't hold the same privileges of voting as the citizens who do not commit crimes.
ReplyDeleteAmber Shah
period 2
I agree with the article on how it says that the Voting Rights Act shouldn't be used to make felons able to vote by trying to say that most felons are minorities.
ReplyDeleteHowever, I think that we should let felons vote. I've always believed in giving people second chances. Saying that felons are automatically horrible people who don't deserve to have any say in politics is being too harsh.
What if you're having a really bad day, and someone comes up to you and is bugging you and trying to make you mad on purpose, and you snap and punch him and get arrested for it. Did you make a poor decision? Sure. But are you a horrible person who would ruin our country if you had the chance? I don't think so.
I agree that some, maybe even most, felons are bad people who probably don't even care about politics, but I think that if someone commits a crime and serves their time for it, they shouldn't be further penalized for it.
Felons should not be allowed to vote. If they are the ones who are going out and breaking the laws, they should not be allowed to help decide them. Once you are incarcerated, most of your rights are taken away and the privilage to vote should be one of them.
ReplyDeleteHowever, I don't think race should be brought into it since people of all races commit crimes, and it doesn't really relate to the logical arguement of why they shouldn't vote. It is true that a large number a inmates are black or another minority, but there are also many WASPs in jail as well, so the idea that this is unfair treatment of minorities doesn't hold very strong in my opinion. An inmate is an inmate, they've all broken the law no matter how major or minor the charge.
Basically, once you've shown that you don't respect the government or its laws, you shouldn't be able to participate in the system.
Lindsay Riggans
Period 2
As most people have said, I believe that if one cannot follow the laws then they should not contribute to making the laws. Yes people change but they had a choice on whether or not they followed the laws and with that choice comes the consequences. Their consequence is not being able to vote. The race argument, I believe, is invalid because one cannot choose their race.
ReplyDeleteRebecca Galindo p 3
Thinking in regards to how severe the crime was that placed the criminal in jail in the first place kept allowing me to implement that factor (severity) into the situation, but in the end I am completely in favor of this article to disenfranchise felons. They may had been in the wrong place at the wrong time, but that "excuse", in most cases, does not get them out of jail, therefore it shouldn't give them a free ride to have the ability to vote on something that establishes the laws that they can't show responsibility towards. Not allowing them to vote doesn't question their race, intelligence, even political efficacy, it just embodies the idea that they made a mistake and that mistake takes away your societal responsibilities, one being voting.
ReplyDeleteMaking race correlate with being a felon is an ignorant thing to do and shouldn't even be considered a part of discussion on whether or not felons can vote. The 9th Circuit Court is clear in their intentions to support felons and their ability to vote, and by using the Voting Rights Act of 1965 as their backing is just bringing a whole other issue into the debate and a shallow one at that.
In the end, there really is no gray area for some felons that committed the lesser crimes to be able to vote and obviously the more critical ones unable. It should be either allowing them to vote or not collectively. If anyone thinks that allowing them to vote would be a positive thing due to the potential voter turnout ascending because of it, they should maybe consider the other factors as to why it is so low and work on improving those departments that are lacking instead of having an additional one brought into the problem.
Avery Kilgour
Period 2
I believe that felons should be allowed to vote. Many laws that could go into effect which change/regulate the prison system in which they are apart of could be affected, or there could be someone elected to office who could either help them or hurt them in terms of the policy they enact. I feel that the people affected most should have the opportunity to vote and prison reform laws or laws which change the definitions/ punishments for certain crimes definitely affect felons. Felons are also allowed to receive additional education while in a correctional facility and that makes them more educated, in my opinion, than many of the high school drop outs and bums who may be voting in place of them, so I'd much rather they vote. In my eyes (which are apparently very different from all of yours) the mistakes that a person makes should not determine their intelligence, sense of efficacy or LOVE OF AMERICA (super patriot over here), so let them vote. Honestly, it would actually contribute to our embarrassingly poor turnout rate and make us better (hopefully) then some of those Europeans.
ReplyDeleteKaitlyn Vallance
period 3
rambling on and not checking this for spelling or grammar because I have a stats test tomorrow (sorry!)
i agree with this article, i think that if you are sentenced to jail for a long time, you wouldnt have anything to lose, the chances are you will make an irrational and ignorant decision. as lindsay said, if you dont respect the government then why should government respect you and give the same opportunities as others.
ReplyDeleteNicholas Kaunang
per-3
The article is right. A law that bans felons from voting is not intended to be racist, it is intended to keep people who don't care about the laws from influencing who will be making them for the rest of us. Minorities make up a majority of criminals but some are whites and no one is caring about their voting rights being infringed upon. I feel like because of the history our country has had with minorities there is a need to constantly be politically correct. Take the law for what it is...Felons cant vote because they broke the law... not because they are a minority.
ReplyDeleteSydney Ferreira
Period 2
In the 14th ammendment it states that states have the right to disenfranchise people for" rebellion or other crime". And the article didn't need to make this a racial issue. The 15th ammendment gives equal voting rights to blacks. Its statistically proven theres more minorities in prison then others..whether black, or mexican etc. Doesnt make them bad people at all, i dont like pulling the race card seeing as how all my friends are mexicans! Now back to ARTICLE, LINE OF THE WHOLE D*** THING IS THIS:if you aren't willing to follow the law, you shouldn't and can't have a role in making one! Im done with this!\m/ p.s. white people go to prison too.
ReplyDeleteDylan Bennett p.2
I have a similar opinion to the majority of people here; I believe that felons should NOT have the right to vote. If they don't have respect for the law then why let them vote for laws that YOU yourself must respect? I believe they've already had their chance at equality as far as voting goes. I believe felons should not be allowed to have all the same rights as people who follow the law.
ReplyDeleteTo say that not allowing felons to vote is racist is not a strong point. Like the article stated, saying this is racist is like saying it is sexist; the majority of felons tend to be males yet we can not view this as unfair and unconstitutional.
Kevin Mailangkay
Period 3
Honestly, if your going around and committing crimes against fellow citizens and the general public, you do not deserve the right to vote.
ReplyDeleteWhy should felons be able to contribute to politics when they can't even respect the law and the individuals around them? It just doesn't make sense for their opinion to even matter.Even though not all felons' crimes are to the same degree, each of their choices have affected somebody in a negative way. Voter turnout may increase with their votes,however, the level of intelligence and thought that went into their decisions may affect the outcome of the voting dramatically in their view towards a particular party.This could be good and bad. Their understanding of their country and its components is obviously lacking if their going around breaking laws that CITIZENS contributed their opinions on. Voting is a "luxury" that felons should just not get.
And with the whole racial card, felons are of ALL races and should be treated all the same. None of them deserve to vote.
So yes, I do agree with this article.
Monique Jolivette period2
"If you aren't willing to follow the law, you can't demand a role in making the law."
ReplyDeleteI believe felons shouldn't be allowed to vote simply for that statement above. If you have been in court and was found guilty for a crime that you commited, then the right to vote should be taken away as soon as you're cuffed. I don't know if prison's have TV & Internet access, but they would probably not be to informed about elections, or laws happening and would make bad decisions. The race thing is kind of random to mention, because EVERYONE & ANYONE can go to jail.
Princess Egbule
Per. 3
I don't even understand why this should be an argument. If you're going to break the law, then why would we as a whole (government included) let felons even vote when it's possibly going to skew the chances of making it easier on them to get away with crime? Sure, they're citizens and yes, the race of people in prison are probably minorities. But the law isn't telling them "You can't vote because you're (insert ethnicity here)" They're saying "You can't vote because you stabbed your neighbor." Which is completely reasonable. 15th amendment says "... on account of race" Anyone. And i mean ANYONE who stabs their neighbor is probably going to get excluded from voting. 15th amendment doesn't say, "On account of race or due to criminal backgrounds." Also. Why should they have a say in the law that they're going to break themselves anyway? I personally don't even think there's an argument to begin with. Felons, don't do the crime if you want to vote.
ReplyDeleteKrishna Aditya
Per.3
First off, I did not see the need to pull the "race card" and try to use it as legitimate evidence in the essay and comparing the denial of voting rights to felons to Jim Crow laws. -____- seriously? I bet there are tons of white people in jail too serving the same 5-10 as their black and Latino counterparts, but that's not the point here. The point is that a felon is a felon no matter the skin color and that said felon should not be allowed to vote. The reason that they were locked up in the first place was becuase the judicial system did not deem them safe or responsible enough to live there life as a free American because they had disobeyed the law. Hence this person should also not be trusted with chance to affect the lives of the 300 million Americans by voting in elections.
ReplyDeleteAlthough Vincent brought up the point of giving people second chances, most individuals are given strikes for minor offenses before being thrown into jail so NOT ONLY are they getting a second chance, but also a THIRD CHANCE on top of that. I think that's plenty of times to test one's capability of being a responsible citizen....just saying.
There isn’t much left to say that everyone else hasn’t already pointed out. Just as most of the people who have already posted, I agree that felons should not be able to vote. If felons do not respect and follow laws, they should not have any role in voting on them. Why should someone that has willingly thrown out any respect for the laws/ government be allowed to play a role in voting for those laws and those representatives? Of course people are going to say that “people change” and that everyone should be given “second chances,” but, come on, do you really think that every felon will walk out a “changed man??” No. Giving those few that do change and realize their mistakes the right to vote also gives those that are going to go kill some more people, steal some more stuff, and destroy a few more laws the right to vote as well. I’m pretty sure that one outweighs the other. So no, felons should not be given the right to vote. They lost that right when they decided to break the law.
ReplyDeleteMariah Tropez
Period 3
i believe that the ariclte is unclear about what statement it is trying to make. i mean i caught many points out of it . Maybe its just me.any ways for some reason people think it is wrong that felons cannot vote. There is a reason for that . THe felonies they commited come from the horrible decision making that they have done therefore causing for them to endup in jail. which links back to being competent enough to make a proper law decision. How can someone who makes poor decisions be depended upon to make the law. There is a difference between someone who doesnt know and someone who is irrational.Felons should not vote for 2 reasons: (1) they make poor decisions and (2) they arent even apart of the society they are enclose away from everyone because of the fact that they have poor decision making.
ReplyDeletegabriel largaespada
per 3
i believe there is no reason felons should have a right to vote. if they cannot make the right decisions as a citizen they cannot make the right political decisions. i understand some believe allowing felons to vote will increase the percentage of minority voters but if norm of minority does not vote why would the lowest class of minority citizens vote.
ReplyDeleteBrandon Long
Per. 2
"If you aren't willing to follow the law, you can't demand a role in making the law."
ReplyDelete(Sorry Princess I stole your intro)
Felon's votes would be biased, making the laws weak and giving less security to citizens, but again isn't everyone's vote biased? I'm contradicting myself so much on this topic, but I'm leaning towards them not having the right to vote.
1. They broke the law subconsciously
2. Voting is a privilege
aha...I thought that I had more points, apparently not. Well they broke the law aware their actions would have consequences. Voting is privilege that is given to people at eighteen because the government would hope that they are mature enough to vote responsibly. If you commit a crime then how mature can you be? You should be mature enough to follow the laws and not break it like some delinquent.
Erica Medina
Period 3
I agree with most of these people and the article when they say that felons should not be given the right to vote if they can't even follow the law. Although the constitution says that everyone should be treated equally, I don't think they deserve to have a say because if they did, there could be a possibility that the majority of felons vote the same way or in favor of their circumstances. This could ultimately play in their favor and could make the consequences of breaking the law less harsh as it should be.
ReplyDeleteCarley Ozaeta
Period 2
i believe felons should be able to vote. what difference does it make weather they can or not?what a stupid rule. first, if a felon didnt care weather he commited a crime or not, why should he care weather he can vote or not? boo hoo..even tho that felon cant vote, that doesnt mean he cant voice his opinion. he can still have his opinions and voice them freely np matter what state of government holding he/she is in. to me its pointless and kind of a waste of time
ReplyDeleteeric dominguez
p3
:putnam:
ReplyDelete@Brian - You'd rob that bank, and risk falling prey to an inmate "leveling up" his crime repertoire?
ReplyDeleteAs far as the whole "race card" thing goes, that is just silliness. You could tell me that the race of a felon is par for the course, you could even offer me statistics that prove that, but the fact of the matter is that race has nothing to do with criminality. Blacks and Latinos may be victims of circumstance, whatever. There are white criminals too, some more nefarious than black or Latino ones. "Convicted felon" & "black or Latino" do not go hand in hand.
As far as felons voting, I am like Marc in that I believe in second chances. If a felon acknowledges he made a mistake and truly wishes to get on the right path, I say let him. And with that, he should be treated no differently than a normal citizen. That's not to say forget what he did, just that he shouldn't have to be punished beyond his sentence. (And I know I'm using politically incorrect, gender specific language here, shut up, I'm not saying that only men commit crimes.)
Now, there is the issue of those felons who do not wish to be "rehabilitated" so to speak into functioning citizens. And with that, those in the audience hiss and retract apprehensively and whine "Well if we allow those guys to vote, they will make it easier for them and their homies to commit crimes!" To that I ask, are we ever going to propose laws that actually make it easier for criminals to commit crimes? Perhaps tomorrow you may see on Yahoo! or the front page of the newspaper a headline reading "Legislature proposes new bill banning electronic security systems in public places of business" (and perhaps underneath that: "Tea Party conservatives answer with a resounding yes, saying 'Second Amendment, come at us, bro!' (zing!)) But all jokes aside, what laws would the government consider that would "make it easier to commit crime"? And what uneducated thug of a felon (a "waste of sperm" as Mr. C would say) would sit and study the voter guide to find clever ways to help himself out when he got out of the joint?
While I do believe voting is a privilege, I think that it is not one that should be taken away from those who deserve it, whether that be a citizen with a clean record or a cleaned-up criminal. To decide that, perhaps implement some kind of a special "voter rehab" program to enable those who truly want it to be able to earn it. I don't know. I'm typing this on my iPod so I don't really know how long this post is so anyways, until next time...
Taras McKey
Period 2
Agree. Agree. Agree. Coming from my point of view and a whole lot of other people. Felons shouldn't be able to vote but why? I think by disfranchising them, we are not denying them because of their race, efficacy or intelligence but because they committed a crime, broke a law, and therefore don't respect it enough to uphold it. Yes mistakes can be fixed and these felons can work their way up to a clean slate if they can but in the meantime I don't think it's fair at all for our law-abiding citizens who are trying to prevent crime and respect the law to have to compete with felons who obviously messed up. I say with all the evidence in that article that not allowing felons to have a vote, it's hard to see that it is not constitional and with that being said, its not a matter of discrimation, civil rights, lack of efficacy, or patriotism; it's right from wrong.
ReplyDeleteJovanna Franco Period 2 (:
I disagree because people break the law all the time and it is just a matter of whether or not they are caught. I don't think that it is fair that those who haven't been caught and committed an equal crime should still be given the chance to vote while those who were caught are deprived. Who is to say that a felon will choose to assuage their sentence? I think it is complete discrimination to say that felons are not allowed to vote because their opinion is no different than anyone else's opinion. It doesn't seem just that any individual should be deprived of being eligible to vote. How does one know that a felon's vote is any different from that of another?
ReplyDeleteSarah Shin
ReplyDeletePeriod 2 ^^^^^^^^^^
So I'm going to be the black sheep (no pun intended) and say that felons SHOULD have the right to vote. Yes, this argument has a valid point. Yes, these people have broken a law. but no, these people should not be denied the right to vote. when we were kids or even now, and we get in trouble, our parents or teachers dont just take away our privileges and not give them back. its like saying you got one ticket and your parents just take away your car forever. over time we have proved that we are capable of handling these privileges and slowly they are given back to us. as felons they already did their time in jail. most of them learned their lesson, and that doesnt mean we as society should strip away more from them. if you want my opinion, this article was COMPLETELY subjective, and "brainwashed" people to think its okay to take someone's rightful freedom to vote. I mean think about how much time in history Americans have spent trying to reform the way we vote, so much time perfecting it, making it more effiecent, presenting it as a CIVIC DUTY. and after all that you are going to deny someone this simple right? insensitive if you ask me. we preach about equality, but all these posts basically said "equality can kiss my a--".
ReplyDeleteRonika Singh
Period 2
This can go either way for me. I believe that some felons should have the right to vote and some should not. However, the question is, where do we draw the line? My thought is that people who repeatedly and knowingly commit criminal offenses should not have the right to vote. However, there are those, like Logan said, who are falsely accused, and even some who went through rehabilitation and never committed another crime again. I believe these such people should be able to vote if they so choose. However, once again the question remains: Where do we draw that line and who has the right to draw it. At this point in my life, I don't understand as much, nor do I have enough experience to be able to make a decision like this...to draw the line. That said, my opinion on this matter is to remain neutral and say that, if someone were able to, justly, draw a line that fits these parameters, than I would be very happy. :)
ReplyDeleteChristine Fisher
Per 3
I think that felons do not deserve the right the vote because they have done something that goes against the law and deserve consequences. When it comes down to race i agree with the part of the article that explains there will always be a dominant race who commit crimes but that still does not give them a right to be left off the hook. In conclusion the act does not go against anything constitutional but is simply being fair.
ReplyDeleteCrystal Gonzalez Per.3
Aleena from period 3 made an excellent point. Criminals should not be allowed to vote if they are still being punished for their crimes. However, i do not believe it is fair to deny those who have already faced their punishments. Voting is one of the core rights given to American citizens. To deny an ex-con from voting is comparable to re -jailing them for having already been in jail. Other than that, I agree with this argument. Arguing that denying cons to vote is racist is absurd. Unlike your race, you choose whether or not you will commit a crime.
ReplyDeleteGerard Bahri Per. 3
The issue present in this article stems from the idea that not allowing felons the right to vote is "unjust", HOWEVER...when you cut through all the nonsense about racial injustice and so on, you’re simply using the famous “Racial Card” to get certain privileges to people who have BROKEN THE LAW. Yes statistics show that the highest amount of felons presently are both African Americans and Hispanics, but yet being a Hispanic myself, I do not believe that our race itself is being wrongly mistreated because I know for a fact that the reason they are not allowed the privilege to vote is because they have performed an offence to society that should not be tolerated. The article claims "There are certain minimum and objective standards of trustworthiness, loyalty and responsibility, and those who have committed serious crimes against their fellow citizens don't meet those standards.” I fully agree with this statement because how are we suppose to put our faith in making change for our society to those who do not care enough to follow society’s rules? It would be as if we hired the big bad wolf to construct the 3 little pig’s houses it DOES NOT MAKE SENSE! I am frustrated with the idea that people will go out of their way to use such an issue as race to credit certain people who have done wrong. There must be a consequence for these offences and I am 100% behind the idea that these felons are not allowed the right to vote, yes “men were created equal” but yet if these men are not assisting in the nations use for the “pursuit of happiness” they have no right to vote and decide what should be right or wrong for our country’s progress.
ReplyDeleteFernando Arellano Per. 3
I think that felons should still be given the opportunity to vote even though they are criminals. A lot of people are saying that because someone broke the law, they shouldn't be allowed to vote. But people break laws all the time, so should everyone who has ever broken a law, whether they were caught or not, be denied the right to vote? I don't think so. Because honestly, probably almost everyone in America wouldn't be allowed to vote. What gives someone the power to determine the rights of another American? It's not even just about race, it's about civil rights. It's annoying that a lot of people were saying how because felons don't have "enough respect for the law" they don't deserve to have a say in how the law works. About 1/5 Americans don't have any kind of political participation, and now everyone wants to try and have control over who's voting and who's not? AS SEEN THROUGHOUT HISTORY, just because a person is given the opportunity to vote doesn't mean that he/she will. I think someone also said that if felons were allowed to vote, then they would vote in favor of his/her circumstances to make laws less harsh on the convicted--as if felons make up the majority of the population and can single-handedly make the law "less harsh"...like seriously? Open your eyes! Some people were whining that it's not fair to give felons the right to vote because that right is only for "law-abiding" citizens. Most of you guys won't even end up voting when you're eligible anyways so I don't even understand why you care. It's very possible that giving felons the right to vote will mean that they will make irrational decisions because they have nothing to lose, but how is that any different from A LOT of Americans who have no insight whatsoever about politics and vote based on appearance or whoever name they see first. Giving someone civil rights is not taking any away from you, so to me a lot of these arguments sound ignorant.
ReplyDeleteSelina Terrazas
Period 2
Without a doubt, felons should not be able to vote. It would be contradictory to allow felons to contribute to government since they are in prison for disobeying the government. There are consequences for your actions, and taking away suffrage should be one of them.
ReplyDeleteJustin Contreras p3
I don't think felons should be allowed to vote. These are people have chosen to break the law and have to deal with the consequences that come with their decisions. The article briefly mentioned that it isn't fair if people who don't even follow the law are voting on public policy that affects an entire population. The mind of a felon could be corrupted and they could vote in this manner, supporting laws that would make their own lives easier. Also, enacting this policy does not contradict the Constitution. It is just a way to make sure criminals do not negatively influence election processes or voter responses.
ReplyDeleteAlexis Oyetibo
Period 3
I agree that felons should be disenfranchised because they chose to violate laws that where put in place by society. Part of their punishment is losing their right to vote just like losing their right to bear arms(second amendment.) So I believe that this law is not racist and in modern times as compared to the Jim Crow era where racism was accepted, today society does a much better job at recognizing this type of discrimination. The system isn't perfect but it has improved and I think it will continue to do so.
ReplyDeleteAmber Fussell
Per 3
I did agree with Alexis until I looked up the definition of felon- it is someone who has committed a SEVERE crime, like rape or murder. These people aren't like normal American citizens who break the speed limit or something of the like. I still don't want to say that they shouldn't be given the right to vote only because I feel like they shouldn't be treated like scum completely (even though they are scum). If you treat someone that way, then you don't fix their internal problems, the roots of everything. And this point goes back to political ideology.
ReplyDeleteAnother thing that bothered me was the whole racism issue- I am so tired of everything being turned into 'oh, the government is attacking blacks' or 'oh no, we're attacking the gays by making this law'. For heaven's sake, can't the government ever make a law without everyone thinking there is an underlying cause to it? It's ridiculous that people can't draw back and think of it plain and simple- felons shouldn't vote because they have committed heinous crimes not only against the country, but against humanity. No. People have to turn this into a racism issue. It is NOT a racism issue, even if African Americans did make up 100% of the jail. It's not always about color, or sexuality, or monetary value. Sometimes, it's about what is actually acceptable in culture, the common morals of all American citizens.
Veronica Nakla
Per. 2
Felons should be stripped from their right to vote when they become stripped of the rest of their rights and liberties the day they are sent to prison for violating the law. Why should those who refuse to be a law abiding citizen be allowed to vote? Just because we live in a free nation doesn't mean we can do what we desire. The freedoms and rights we as American citizens receive come with responsibility. I believe such felons would be allowed the freedom to voice their opinion but they should not be given the right to vote.
ReplyDeleteBlake Hewelt
period 2
Felons should not be granted the right to vote. They once had their opportunities to contribute to the government yet somehow managed to go against it and commit a crime. Morever, they have definitely lost their privilege in contributing to our government elections.
ReplyDeleteBrittney Brown
Period 2
I agree with Katie. The fact that felons can't vote doesn't discrimanate against black people, it simply states people who have committed a serious crime against citizens have surrendered thier choice to be part of the democratic system. The newly inacted, National Voter Registration Act of 1993 and the Help America Vote Act of 2002, are applied to all felons and doesn't single out one race. However, if this were the 1960s, before the 15th amendment was ratified, would these acts be viewed as discrimantory? Blacks were kept from voting because of social issues, as demonstrated by the literacy test, poll tax, grandfather clause, and white primary. Likewise, blacks are taken advantage of because felons are prodominantly black. Despite my view that I don't want felons to vote, I still do not want to unfairly single out the black community.
ReplyDeleteMackenzie Beaty period 3
I believe felons should have the right to vote. committing a crime does not strip you of being a person with equal rights, among those, the right to vote. Many felons are those of lower income, bad social status, or an upbringing of the ghetto. Such people have not had much chances in life to be something, and many do not "choose" to commit a crime, but are forced into a life of crime. If we continue to ignore such harsh truths of life and turn ignorant eyes from our comfortable suburb, these problems will never cease to end. Taking the vote away from someone who has already had a hard life as it is only proves to them that the government is corrupt and further aleianates the individual from society. Some may believe this does not affect us, but if they are to get out of jail and resume their ways only to be sent back, that is coming out of our paychecks to pay for their stay in jail. Something as small as allowing felons to vote shows they are human beings and recognized in society and may help to increase the low voter turnout we have anyway.
ReplyDeleteCelina Phillipson
per. 2
I believe that felons should still have the right to vote. With the low voter turnout, it can be concluded that only those who really want that vote will go through all the trouble to register. According to the government book, about 40 or so percent of those who registered actually voted, so more than half of these registered American voters did not exercise their voting rights. If these are the types of Americans that are incarcerated, not very many of them would choose to vote either. If given the option to vote while serving time, some felons would choose to disregard with the thought that why should they contribute to a government that they perceive to have "screwed them over" in the first place. If a felon just flat out didn't care about laws or the government, then they wouldn't bother voting about it any time soon. The option to vote should be kept open because there are the few who do wish to participate who have the efficacy to make an informed decision. The laws or officials running for election are chosen to benefit the country, not undermine it, so the effect of felons voting just to mess around would not be too influential. Felons already have most of their rights stripped from them; further removing their right to vote puts them even lower into their aleady degradated state. Also, there are people who have broken the law and haven't yet been caught, and are participating in the government, INCLUDING corrupted officials in office at the moment. If they can get away with that, then why can't incarcerated felons vote? This is less of a crime compared to allowing corrputed officials govern.
ReplyDeleteLet's hope I'm not the latest to comment again... Sleep is best left uninterruptrd during the weekend.
Kayla Villamater
Period 2
While I would like to be interesting and write a radically different argument saying why felons should be allowed to vote, I can only agree with the logic of the article. There are qualifications that a voter must have so that his or her vote actually carries weight and consequences. As the article mentioned, the US don't let children, noncitizens, and mentally retarded vote because they lack the intellectually, responsibility, and loyalty to the country to assess and select the right decision. And the same argument applies to felons, who have given up their rights by choosing to violate the legal laws in the most extreme sense. They have made themselves voiceless by declaring themselves as criminals who contribute nothing to society.
ReplyDeleteJunsu Park
Period 3
I do not believe that felons should be able to vote. A felon has already abused the rights they were given and proved to be irresponsible. Mentally disabled are not given voting rights as are children because they aren't mature enough, if a person is breaking common standards set by society that proves they are not mature enough too.
ReplyDeleteper 2
miranda myers
I'd have to agree with the majority here, I believe that felons shoulnt have the right to vote. I mean, the right to vote gives them the opportunity to influence decisions on laws, policies, who's in office; however, the fact that they are felon comes to prove that they disregard these laws and rulings; thus, proving that having them vote would be pointless because THESE are the people that break the rules, why should they chose to make them?
ReplyDeleteRabee Ali Period 2
sahquin tutt per 2 late half credit
ReplyDeletei believe the felons should be able to vote out of jail and in jail. nowhere does it say that when you arrested you cant vote it doesnt make sense. nothing bad is going to ahppen and elections arent going to be turned over by felons voting for someone whos going to be less harsh on criminals if you commit a crime you are punished for it no matter what