The Felons Right to Vote
June 19, 2013
Should Felons have the right to vote?
Should Felons have the right to vote?
Our country was founded on democracy; it is what sets us apart as a nation. How can we consider ourselves a true democracy when we don’t let certain members of our society have the right to vote and participate in that democracy. Since the founding of our country most states in the U.S. have enacted laws disenfranchising felons and ex felons from voting. There are forty-six states and the District of Columbia that have laws that deprive inmates of the right to vote. Thirty- two of those states have laws that convicted felons may not vote while on parole, and in twenty -nine of these states offenders may not vote while on probation. There are fourteen states where ex offenders can be disenfranchised for life. 3.9 million Americans are estimated to have currently or permanently lost their ability to vote because of felony convictions. The U.S. Bureau of justice reports that two-thirds of released offenders are re-arrested within three years of released and it is suggested that those statistics are just those that have been caught committing a crime. While felons who have been convicted and are currently serving sentences or on parole should not have the right to vote. What of those who have served their time successfully? Have they not paid their debt to society? I am not suggesting that the moment an offender is released from custody or parole they should automatically be re-enfranchised they’re right to vote. I am, however, suggesting that after a certain credible amount of time without infractions, hasn’t that person proved that their interest have become aligned with that of an ordinary citizen. Studies from the University of Minnesota College of Liberal Arts show that the choice of roles is relative to functions of social relationships and role commitments. Symbolic interactionists emphasize adult work and family roles in explaining the transition away from crime.
Should Felons have the right to vote?
Should Felons have the right to vote?
Our country was founded on democracy; it is what sets us apart as a nation. How can we consider ourselves a true democracy when we don’t let certain members of our society have the right to vote and participate in that democracy. Since the founding of our country most states in the U.S. have enacted laws disenfranchising felons and ex felons from voting. There are forty-six states and the District of Columbia that have laws that deprive inmates of the right to vote. Thirty- two of those states have laws that convicted felons may not vote while on parole, and in twenty -nine of these states offenders may not vote while on probation. There are fourteen states where ex offenders can be disenfranchised for life. 3.9 million Americans are estimated to have currently or permanently lost their ability to vote because of felony convictions. The U.S. Bureau of justice reports that two-thirds of released offenders are re-arrested within three years of released and it is suggested that those statistics are just those that have been caught committing a crime. While felons who have been convicted and are currently serving sentences or on parole should not have the right to vote. What of those who have served their time successfully? Have they not paid their debt to society? I am not suggesting that the moment an offender is released from custody or parole they should automatically be re-enfranchised they’re right to vote. I am, however, suggesting that after a certain credible amount of time without infractions, hasn’t that person proved that their interest have become aligned with that of an ordinary citizen. Studies from the University of Minnesota College of Liberal Arts show that the choice of roles is relative to functions of social relationships and role commitments. Symbolic interactionists emphasize adult work and family roles in explaining the transition away from crime.
References: Sentencingproject.org Oxfordjournals.org socsci.umn.edu