Constitutional Rights

[9-10ths_Penguin]

The question underlying the poll is whether prison should be designed to punish or rehabilitate (of course we know it does neither very well but that's another question).

I see the question a bit differently: should voting be considered an inalienable right of citizenship, or a privilege that's granted, conditional on the citizen's behaviour being acceptable to the government?

 

[Shad]

If you have made your opinion known about the questions in the poll. I have an additional question for you that is addressed in the below spoiler. Feel free to change your opinion after reading the spoiler.

Spoiler

Now those that agree that felon should have the right to vote whether they are in prison or only after the get out of prison because it is a Constitution right; do you also agree that they have the right to own a firearm since that is also a Constitution right?

Voted "Felons who are released from prison should have the right to vote" which includes existing pardon and expunging systems low level felonies. Serial murders are out of luck.

I do not think voting is a right so is not comparable to 2A.

 

[esmith]

I do not think voting is a right so is not comparable to 2A.

Correct. There is no "right to vote" in the Constitution
https://democracyjournal.org/magazine/28/the-missing-right-a-constitutional-right-to-vote/

 

[Quintessence]

I have no opinion.

I am not concerned with the right (or lack thereof) of felons voting when this country is in need of serious election reform in general. Until representatives are actually representative, the change would mean very little in practice.

 

[9-10ths_Penguin]

When responding to the poll, keep in mind some of the things that are considered "felonies" in various parts of the US:

- drug posession
- vandalism
- driving with a suspended license
- counterfeiting trademarked good
- "promoting gambling"
- posessing a firearm on the grounds of a state college

 

[Shad]

Correct. There is no "right to vote" in the Constitution
https://democracyjournal.org/magazine/28/the-missing-right-a-constitutional-right-to-vote/

Not merely in the Constitution. I mean I do not think it is a right in general. Change think for believe if that makes more sense.

 

[Shad]

When responding to the poll, keep in mind some of the things that are considered "felonies" in various parts of the US:

- drug posession
- vandalism
- driving with a suspended license
- counterfeiting trademarked good
- "promoting gambling"
- posessing a firearm on the grounds of a state college

Yup that is why I mentioned review systems. A serial murder vs a felon for possession of 2 grams of weed.

 

[sun rise]

I see the question a bit differently: should voting be considered an inalienable right of citizenship, or a privilege that's granted, conditional on the citizen's behaviour being acceptable to the government?

I say it's a right but like all rights it's not absolute.

 

[Father Heathen]

Spoiler

Now those that agree that felon should have the right to vote whether they are in prison or only after the get out of prison because it is a Constitution right; do you also agree that they have the right to own a firearm since that is also a Constitution right?

I think that would depend on the crime(s) they were convicted of. That said, you're comparing apples to oranges.

 

[esmith]

I think that would depend on the crime(s) they were convicted of. That said, you're comparing apples to oranges.

Explain your reasoning on both statements please.

 

[Father Heathen]

Explain your reasoning on both statements please.

First explain your reasoning in trying to draw a parallel between someone with a history of violence having access to a weapon and voting.

 

[esmith]

First explain your reasoning in trying to draw a parallel between someone with a history of violence having access to a weapon and voting.

Well since the Constitution does not regard voting as a right then I guess there isn't one.

 

[Augustus]

The problem with allowing people in prison to vote is that if you have 5000 inmates in a voting district this could swing an election against the preferences of the local residents.

After they are released they should regain the right to vote though as their punishment has been served so they should regain their full rights rather than permanently becoming 2nd class citizens.

 

[tytlyf]

I voted for the middle 2, but with the caution that I think "should" is too strong a word for me.
They're just choices I favor.

The rudderless ship strikes again. Can you be more transparent?

 

[Revoltingest]

The rudderless ship strikes again. Can you be more transparent?

I begin to get the impression that you possibly don't think much of me.
That's nice.

 

[tytlyf]

I begin to get the impression that you possibly don't think much of me.
That's nice.

You're an employee here and you intentionally post vaguely. An honorable person would take a position instead of trying to deceive.

 

[Revoltingest]

You're an employee here and you intentionally post vaguely. An honorable person would take a position instead of trying to deceive.

Employee?
No, I am but a lowly poster here.

I did consider buying the forum when it was up for sale a year or 2 ago.
But that would make me your lord & master.
Count your blessings that I passed up the opportunity.

 

[Kangaroo Feathers]

I answered the poll and then read the spoiler, did not change my position.
.

The spoiler question is just so stupid that I don’t feel the need to explain further

No no! It was a super clever gotcha that totally pwns the libs! And also I don't know what false dichotomy or false equivalence is.

 

[9-10ths_Penguin]

The problem with allowing people in prison to vote is that if you have 5000 inmates in a voting district this could swing an election against the preferences of the local residents.

In Canada, prisoners' votes go to the district/riding where they were living immediately before they were imprisoned, so that's one way to solve that problem.

 

[Augustus]

In Canada, prisoners' votes go to the district/riding where they were living immediately before they were imprisoned, so that's one way to solve that problem.

Do you know what happens to those of 'no fixed abode'?