Vilsack is correct. Anybody not on probation, parole or actually incarcerated should have all rights restored including those of voting and possessing weapons.
You're all living some fantasy where everyone ever convicted of anything is a liberal Dem who, if allowed, will vote 'Rats into power. There happen to be numerous conservative ex-convicts right here on Free Republic, including myself. Several of us are "out of the closet", but I'm sure there are more who refuse to self-identify for fear of a cyber lynching.
Remember that we are governed by folks who are determined to make everything a matter of law and people who say it can't happen to me are dreaming.
I agree. Once a sentence has been fully served there is no reason to continue to punish someone. It makes no difference what party they vote for it is plain wrong to deprive them of the right to vote due to a past mistake.