Sidechat icon
Join communities on Sidechat Download
Idk how controversial this is, but people with a criminal record should be able to vote. The fact that there’s no national consensus on this shocks me (2 states let incarcerated people vote, 4 require a pardon/appeal). They still deserve representation
Trump votes by mail btw. And the only reason he can even vote there as a convicted felon is because of democratic election reform in Florida in the 90s.
upvote 17 downvote

default user profile icon
Anonymous 26w

I think that people with a criminal background should be allowed to vote, unless it’s election-related crimes.

upvote 6 downvote
default user profile icon
Anonymous 26w

Caveat: most states reinstate voter eligibility after a sentence has been completed. I understand the argument that “people who break laws shouldn’t be able to make them” but virtually everyone has broken a law. Our justice system (and bonds, attorneys, sentences, etc) is evidently more reflective of someone’s risk of being charged for a crime and/or their ability to avoid incarceration. They are still citizens

upvote 3 downvote
default user profile icon
Anonymous replying to -> OP 26w

The presidency on the other hand? I don’t know. I think it obviously highlights how money, power, and privilege can circumvent precedents of the justice system. Trump’s felonies were committed during his first term and avoided punishment because of “presidential immunity.” I don’t think being the sitting president should grant immunity from prosecution/punishment/conviction. But, having a criminal record does not remove your eligibility to run.

upvote 5 downvote