my spelling is horrible please forgive it , however, i was asked today by someone working for aclu if i would be interested in giving my opinion to journaliist on restoring voting privleges and why i think they should be restored to prisoners and other felons, there is a way to have felons rights restored if all fines are paid and off parole/probation but any ideas on subject will help me to formulate the interview also they wanted to know if i wanted interview annoymous or otherwise? any thoughts suggestions?

Here in australia if a person is convicted of an indictable offence (Felony in US) and is serving more than three years they aren't allowed to vote whilst in prison but are able to upon release. also those serving less than three years are entitled to and by law required to vote. Australia has compulsory voting for anyone over the voting age of 18.

Maybe I am wrong, but could it be that in the USA to vote is seen as a priviledge, while in Australia it is seen as a duty, that's maybe why ex-prisoners are not allowed to vote in the USA, but in Australia they do.
In Germany to vote is a right, but not a must and as far as I know even prisoners who have the German nationality/citizenship can vote by postal vote, while in prison.

In the US, it varies by state on ex-felons having their voting privileges restored. I am glad to say that in Indiana, after serving their time, they can vote.

That would be my statement--once someone has "paid their debt to society," why wouldn't they be allowed to vote? When rights are not restored it means the debt is never paid. How ridiculous is that?

bump

Bridgette I think that you may be right regarding the compulsory nature of our voting vs the US however it is also partially due in my opinion to the "Softer" stance on crime we take in this country

goldonthebeach, I read an interesting article on the subject of voting rights for prisoners - if you want the link to it, e mail me (address in profile). I would post it here but it may contravene WAP rules.

Ian UK

I'm not sure if this applies nationwide, but I worked with a guy who was convicted of armed robbery. Upon his release, his voting rights were restored. However, he can never purchase a hunting license or carry a firearm of any kind.