Convicted felons are not given the privilege of voting rights in many states. Envision a 19 year-old male, just convicted of petty theft and sentenced 2 years. After paying his debt to society, he decides to register to vote and voice his thoughts and opinions. Unknowingly, he is declined of his rights due to his criminal history and unable to register because of the law which implies convicted felons are prohibited to vote.
An assembly of African Americans, first sponsor Tyrone Brooks leads this bill with help from Bob Holmes, Alisha Morgan, Sheila Jones, Joe Heckstall and Sharon Beasley-Teague. These representatives of the HR-7 Bill want a resolution to be passed allowing convicted felons (whose crime involves moral turpitude) their right to vote if on probation or parole. This bill is not proposing convicted felons of voting or being a registered voter while incarcerated.
These representatives can relate to this bill due to their ethnic background and some can vouch for victims of this law.
Due to the fact that African Americans have the highest rate of convicted felons and is the largest ethnic group taking up space in our penitentiaries, this law is very effective. Also, African American males encounter everyday stereotypes of being unemployed or portraying these images that African American males are not around to raise their children. These negative images give African Americans a bad reputation in the world and permit them from being successful; including taking their right to vote.
In many states, there is a law where convicted felons do not have the right to vote. This takes away their privileges as an American citizen. The First Amendment is the right to freedom of speech. “Whether in jail or not, you are still affected by the outcome,” mentioned Colby Richardson, an African American student at Morehouse College. By taking these people’s liberties they are not authorized to express their opinions or thoughts. After many years of fighting to have a voice in politics, African Americans were finally given the opportunity to vote. The law now takes their liberties and forbids them to cast their vote in major worldwide and national elections.
A convicted felon is still considered an American citizen, why can’t they vote? This 2008 election is a major, historical election. It is very important to encourage and persuade all to vote and many with a criminal background are unable to vote because of their record. The law in effect now is unfair and unjust.
The latest update on the “HR 7-Persons convicted of certain felonies; voting provisions; prohibitions,” unfortunately did not go into effect. Its status, as of January 25, 2005, was a Second Reader, meaning it was read and reviewed twice and was not implemented. It has been two years since the law was last read, and it is only reviewed in sessions twice. Personally, I think this law, HR-7 should be passed and in effect immediately.
