Response to ''why can't Ex-Felons vote - Essay Example

Why Can’t Ex-Felons Vote? by Kevin Krajick Kevin Krajick’s article, “Why Can’t Ex-Felons Vote?” shows how in America ex-felons are barred from voting. This includes all prison inmates, parolees, probationers and other people in the society. The law governing this varies from state to state, affecting minorities extensively. Denying these people the right to vote has been altering the political scenario in the nation. In my opinion, ex-felons should be allowed to vote, as this is the only way they can make known their voice.

In the states, where crime is rampant, denial of the right to vote to ex-felons eventually leads to some districts in such states losing their political voice especially in neighborhoods of high crime record. Loss of political voice is the worst type of oppression citizens may be exposed to. They are no longer able to choose the leaders they desire. In such states therefore, the statutes governing the right to vote should be amended so ex-felons regain eligibility to vote. This will restore the political voice of crime-hit districts.

The restoration of rights to vote should not be left to depend entirely on the governor, as this will mean that not all ex-felons will be allowed to vote. Looking back in history, disenfranchisement laws were crafted to bar blacks with even minor criminal record from polls and this brings about the issue of racism. This limits blacks from exercising their right to vote and such laws should be made more reasonable so that even states populated by blacks do not lose their voice in American politics with time.

In any nation that believes in democracy, ex-felons should be allowed to vote as this leads to bitterness and alienation. Sometimes these people have honestly transformed yet no matter what they do, they are not allowed to contribute to the politics of their nation. Such people end up going back to crime as life with the restrictions of an ex-felon is unbearable. It is only fair therefore if they are allowed to vote. This issue has been confused as partisan between the republicans and democrats, with each group having different views, as it is clear to them that restoration of voting rights to these people will change the political alignment.

However, this should not be the case in a democratic nation.In the law of any nation, and this includes America, voting is a basic human right and not a privilege. This right essentially defines one as a citizen of a specific nation. When ex-felons are denied the right to vote, then they can no longer be described as citizens, they are therefore stateless, people without a country. It ironical for one to be stateless in his or her own state and this clearly brings out sense that these people should be allowed to vote.

As long as they have paid their dues to society, then that should make them eligible to vote. According to research carried out in some states, most people believe that these people should be allowed to vote, it is therefore the wish of other citizens that ex-felons be allowed to vote. A government that puts the needs of its people first should consider amending the statutes governing this issue. In conclusion, it is evident that ex-felons deserve an opportunity to contribute to the politics of America, as this will foster democracy in all aspects.

Measures to regulate the restoration of their rights should be put in place to ensure that all those who have transformed can exercise their rights as citizens.Work CitedKevin Krajick. Why Can’t Ex-Felons Vote? Retrieved on November 14, 2011, from http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A9785-2004Aug17.html