The question of whether ex-felons should help make policy is dividing America. Some liberal groups want to hand voting rights back to criminals the moment they leave prison. But hardworking Americans who follow the law deserve a voice in how their country is run.
When someone commits a serious crime, they break their contract with society. They choose to hurt innocent people and damage their communities. Why should someone who robbed a store or sold drugs to kids get the same say in government as the victims they harmed?
The left claims that giving ex-felons voting rights will stop them from committing more crimes. They point to studies showing lower repeat offense rates when criminals can vote. But correlation is not causation, and plenty of ex-felons stay clean without needing political power.
Our elections should be decided by citizens who respect the law. When we let people vote right after prison, we water down the voices of police officers, teachers, and small business owners. These are the Americans who build our communities and deserve representation.
There is a path for truly reformed criminals to earn back their rights. They can complete parole, pay back victims, and prove they have changed their ways. Real redemption takes time and effort, not just walking out of prison.
Some states already require ex-felons to jump through hoops to vote again. Critics call this unfair, but it makes perfect sense. If someone wants full citizenship back, they should work for it just like legal immigrants do.
The research shows many ex-felons do not even know if they can vote or how to register. This confusion might actually be a good thing. It means only the most motivated and informed ex-felons are participating in elections.
America was built on the idea that actions have consequences. If we erase all penalties for serious crimes, we tell criminals that breaking the law does not really matter. Law-abiding citizens should always come first in policy decisions.
