Eric Holder Urges States to Let Felons Vote

[jordan179]

Courtesy of Matt Apuzzo, the New York Times, February 11th 2014:

Attorney General Eric H. Holder Jr. called Tuesday for the repeal of laws that prohibit millions of felons from voting, underscoring the Obama administration’s determination to elevate issues of criminal justice and race in the president’s second term and create a lasting civil

Comments

[prester_scott]

I actually don't think that felons, as a whole, should be barred from bearing arms. Many acts that are classified as felonies are not violent crimes; some are quite arbitrary and/or obscure. If you're the sort of person who can't be trusted with weapons, then frankly, you shouldn't be out of jail to begin with.

[luagha]

And if so, the felon can apply to have his right to bear arms restored with a form.

In the case of violent felonies, it generally requires a long time of being a law-abiding citizen to be considered. In the case of non-violent or technical offenses, not nearly so much.

[pathia]

I need to investigate that process, though it might be even more difficult when it's a mental health exclusion. I suspect either is extremely involved and probably expensive though, because, well. Lawyers.

[gothelittle]

I'm afraid you can expect that to be a steep uphill battle in any "blue state" thanks to the Connecticut Newtown shooting. Good luck in your endeavor.

[xiphias]

Do you honestly think that felons should be barred from voting after they've served their sentences? So, if you're a criminal once, you're never again a citizen?

In Massachusetts, and in most of the world, criminals can vote WHILE incarcerated. Because you don't stop being a citizen because you committed a crime.

[ford_prefect42]

I think it's the very definition of something that should be "left to the states".

For myself, I would think that there should be *some* way to earn back full citizenship, however, not something automatic, or easy. Suggested alternatives would be community service, military service, compensation to your victims, or other means.

But I do think that getting caught and convicted committing felonies definitely removes the *presumption* that this is an "okay" person.

[jordan179]

I agree. This is something that should be left on the State level.

[ford_prefect42]

Yeah, but I am of the opinion that a LOT of things should be left to the states.... Almost as though there actually WERE a 10th amendment.

[schpydurx]

Give him time. He'll find a way to repeal even state laws.

[ford_prefect42]

schpydurx has a point, this administration has quite a history of trampling states rights.

[benschachar_77]

You know every time someone says "Republicans are the party of the rich" you should respond by saying "Democrats are party of felons and trial lawyers".