Tuesday, December 1, 2015
Kentucky Governor Restores the Right to Vote to Most Felons
Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear restored the right to vote to the majority of the state's nonviolent felony offenders. Voting rights won't be restored to those who have been convicted of violent crimes, sex crimes, bribery or treason. About 170,000 people could get the right to vote from this executive order. Kentucky was one of the few states to not automatically restore voting rights to felons once they had completed their sentence, but now incarcerated felons will automatically have their voting rights restored. What limitations do you think should be put on felons' voting rights? Do you think that other states will begin to give back more voting rights to felons following the lead of Kentucky?
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I don't think there should be any limitations on felons' voting rights. When felons complete their sentences, they're expected to rejoin society, and they can only truly be a part of society if they have the same rights and privileges as everyone else. Also, if felons aren't allowed to vote, they might become frustrated by not having a voice, and they might again turn to crime. Hopefully, Kentucky and the other three states that don't automatically give felons the right to vote after their sentences are completed will follow the lead of the rest of the country.
ReplyDeleteI agree with what Governor Beshear decided about excluding violent felony offenders. I think if you act out on violence enough to be charged with a felony, you shouldn't automatically have your right to vote. I think limitations should be to wait until the convict is released from jail; he or she shouldn't be allowed to vote while incarcerated. I think more states will follow this pattern, but with varied limitations.
ReplyDeleteI think any citizen has the right to vote as the taking away of the right to vote I would classify as cruel and unusual punishment. Taking this away from any person no matter what they id is a infringement against the most basic of liberties.
ReplyDeleteI do think this is just and agree that the felons should be allowed to vote. Also, I don't think any restrictions should be put o them because they served their sentence in prison and should be given an equal chance to get back on their feet. Hopefully other states will follow the same process, but it'll be very difficult.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Julia's point that if we deny felons the right to vote they will become resentful towards the government and be further motivated to turn to crime again. Also, I think that there is something about every citizen having the right to vote that should remain in tact and respected. Voting is not a drastic right but it's something that makes people feel human. It also makes people feel like they have a voice and I think it's not too risky to give felons that right.
ReplyDeleteI believe felons should have the right to vote. If we revoke certain rights from felonys, we continue to punish them even after they have served their time. I don't think it's fair to continuously punish them. I would like to see more states follow Kentucky's lead and give felons the right to vote.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Governor Beshear's decision to restore voting rights to felons. It contradicts the goal of the prison system to restrict rights and hinder rehabilitation after release. It is unfortunate that the focus of prison in this country is harsh punishment. Society will not improve that way. When people are released from prison, they need to be fully accepted in society as what they are: free. If we can't do that, why release them at all?
ReplyDeleteI think that Kentucky placed their limits on felon's voting rights at a reasonable place. I think that certain violent offenders should at least be reviewed before being given voting rights. Still, voting is a right that really should be given to all. I think that other states will follow Kentucky's method as I believe a move like this was bound to be made by someone sometime. The greater question is which states will be the ones to give back voting rights next.
ReplyDeleteI think Beshear raises a good point in that prisoners serve their time and endure their punishment, and after they are released, they are expected to reintegrate into society as law-abiding citizens who have learned their lessons. How could one truly do that if he does not have the right to vote - one of our most basic, unalienable rights? While I would not apply this sentiment to violent felons at all, I do think nonviolent felons should be afforded this right in all states, and I don't think there should be any limitations on their right to vote.
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