Posted on 03/21/2009 3:09:02 PM PDT by anniegetyourgun
OLYMPIA, Wash. -- For tens of thousands of convicted felons in Washington state, only one thing stands between them and the ballot box: debt.
The Associated Press reported that under current law, felons can't vote until they have served their sentences, including the completion of any parole or probation, and paid all restitution and other court fees.
A measure to remove that payment requirement -- opponents say it's akin to a modern-day "poll tax" -- has passed the House and awaits action in the Senate.
If it becomes law, felons could simply re-register to vote once they're no longer in state custody, including any parole or probation.
"The basic unfairness is that our system is currently based on someone paying off their legal obligations," said Rep. Jeannie Darneille, a Tacoma Democrat who sponsored the measure. "If you have money, you can get your rights restored, and if you don't have money, you won't."
Washington's neighbor, Oregon, automatically restores voting rights to felons once they're released from prison. Nearly 40 other states and the District of Columbia also have less onerous restrictions on restoring voting rights to felons.
But others argue Washington state is obligated to make sure felons complete all of their sentence, including all monetary obligations.
It thought everyone in Kings county was a felon and voted.
It’s just natural that they would seek new voters from the one group that they most resemble;convicted felons.
Yes, Dems consider felons casting a vote for Dems to be adequate restitution.
dems figure felons, like minorities, need the dems...so why not...
This is a large load of BS. Felons, terrorists, illegal aliens, children, the dead and pets aren’t having any problem with “voting.” Anyone who thinks otherwise is a moron who isn’t paying attention.
It’s not just here in the Evergreen State. Everywhere it seems, the American political class is cashing in on our abundance of human trash. I would not be surprised to see US Senators soon giving speeches at MS-13 rallys. Whatever keeps them in office you know.
"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." - Manuel II Palelologus
Are we allowed to question the author's implication that universal suffrage is really what's best for our country?
But military votes get lost or blocked. My son’s Company was disenfranchised in ‘04 right before they deployed for combat in Iraq.
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