Should felons who have completed their sentence (incarceration, probation, and parole) be allowed to vote?

2016-11-19T12:25:04-05:00

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Nov 19 at 2016 1:04 PM

2016-11-19T13:04:03-05:00

They paid for their crimes, so why not?

Response by SFC James Asbill made Nov 19 at 2016 1:27 PM

2016-11-19T13:27:44-05:00

No ..... unless pardoned ... that is one of the consequences of committing and being found guilty of a felony ..

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 19 at 2016 1:34 PM

2016-11-19T13:34:34-05:00

they did their time, and are in good standing then yes

Response by Capt Seid Waddell made Nov 19 at 2016 1:55 PM

2016-11-19T13:55:04-05:00

No.

Response by SFC George Smith made Nov 19 at 2016 4:41 PM

2016-11-19T16:41:44-05:00

No... they forfeited the rights when they committed the felonies...

Response by SGT David Baker made Nov 19 at 2016 5:09 PM

2016-11-19T17:09:30-05:00

Yes, they paid the penalty and should now be treated as though they had never offended.

Gun rights too.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 19 at 2016 6:55 PM

2016-11-19T18:55:59-05:00

Yes. If they aren't ready to be returned to society they shouldn't be out of prison. It does no one any good to punish somebody for life, once they're out.

Response by PO1 Mike Phillips made Nov 24 at 2016 11:53 AM

2016-11-24T11:53:54-05:00

Yes, the premise being they have been punished accordingly and paid their debt to society.

Response by PO1 Todd Askins made Nov 24 at 2016 1:05 PM

2016-11-24T13:05:03-05:00

absolutely! if they finished their given sentence then I feel all of their complete rights should be restored to them! they did their time and whatever happened should not be held over their heads for life!

Response by MSG Danny Stanley made Dec 1 at 2016 11:32 AM

2016-12-01T11:32:26-05:00

No. If the punishment is a certain length of prison and denial of voting rights, then that's the punishment. One cannot commit a crime and not be aware of the repercussions. Consider the punishment of a sex offender. Even after they have done their time, they are required to register as a sex offender and check in periodically for the rest of their lives. Does anyone think this is undue or excessive punishment? I do not think it's unreasonable to deny voting rights to a felon- if that is part of the punishment/sentence. However, I should add that the convicted should be told at time of sentencing that this part of their sentence. It should not be an "Oh, by the way" kind of punishment.