We all know that convicted felons repeat crimes that get them back into prison. "The most common understanding of recidivism is based state data from the US Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Statistics, stating that two-thirds (68 percent) of prisoners released were arrested for a new crime within three years of release from prison, and three-quarters (77 percent) were arrested within five years." [Crime in America]
On February 1, 2018, U.S. District Court Judge Mark Walker ruled Florida's process for the restoration of voting abilities for felons unconstitutional, saying it violated the First Amendment and the Fourteenth Amendment.[7] Gov. Scott announced that he would appeal the ruling to U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit. The Eleventh Circuit concurred with Gov. Scott's request, staying the lower court's ruling.
[Ballotpedia]
So, convicted felons waiting 5 years to have voting rights restored is not unfair. If they can stay "clean" for five years, they are on the road to recovery. And trust me, if you vote for Andrew Gillum, all convicted felons will be voting.
Florida Amendment 4, the Voting Rights Restoration for Felons Initiative, is on the ballot in Florida as an initiated constitutional amendment on November 6, 2018.[3]
| A "yes" vote supports this amendment to automatically restore the right to vote for people with prior felony convictions, except those convicted of murder or a felony sexual offense, upon completion of their sentences, including prison, parole, and probation. |
| A "no" vote opposes this amendment to automatically restore the right to vote for people with prior felony convictions, except those convicted of murder or a felony sexual offense, upon completion of their sentences, including prison, parole, and probation. |
All the polls indicate that this Amendment will pass.
9 comments:
Florida is one of four states that doesnt restore voting rights. This amendment would not restore the rights of those who committed violent offenses including murder and rape. Currently there is a 5 - 7 year waiting period before you can even apply for clemency. The application can be kicked out for no reason. If you are permitted to state your case in person, the clemency board meets in Tallahassee 3 times per year for one day each session. The applicant must be present and may be asked any question the four person panel chooses to ask. The State's CFO asks every applicant 'what church do you attend'. They are usually denied clemency. No reasons are provided or required. Studies have shown that criminals who are permitted to vote after serving their time and punishment are considerably less like to commit future crimes.
"There is a larger percentage of Democrats than Republicans in the state."
And yet there has been a Republican governor and legislature for at least the past 8 years.
Thank goodness a significant number of Floridians vote their principles rather than seeing things only as "conservative" or "liberal."
It doesn't matter if you're Republican or Democrat, if you're an American you believe that your fellow Americans should have the right to vote.
Of course, "if you're an American you believe that your fellow Americans should have the right to vote." When did that become a new concept?
We also, as fellow Americans, are entitled to an opinion. It's only Democrats that see to have a problem with that.
No one is my fellow anything after committing a violent crime.
Those who committed violent crimes would not receive their voting rights reinstated under this Amendment. Only non violent criminals who have served their time, completed probation, and fulfilled all obligations to the court.
NO! The prisons are filled with Democrats and I'm not giving them a free pass! Anyone believing that only non-violent criminals will be able to vote again are fools!
Not a fool. It would be in our constitution. No one convicted of capital crimes. Not negotiable. But I see your true intentions - they shouldnt be given the right to vote because, in your opinion, they are democrats. Sweet.
I just can't picture a bunch of just released felons taking the time to vote. Is this really a big deal? They probably didn't vote before they were felons.
Most Floridians who haven’t been convicted don’t vote. It’s about giving them the right to vote after having served their tome and paid their debt to society. I’m sure you’re right in that most will not take advantage of this but they still deserve the option.
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