Felons voting?

[Lynda/WA]

A tie in with Linda/NEs holiday question. Ford and Carter also recommended letting felons vote. Currently whether felons can vote depends on the state. Some allow them to vote immediately after getting out of prison (I think Oregon is among 12-15 states that do this. CA might be another). Others allow them to after they are off of probation. Yet others require them to go before a judge to get back the right to vote. He will take into account the crime and behavior since.
I am unsure if Ford and Carter were recommending that felons be allowed to vote while IN prision or immediately after getting out of prision.
When, if at all, should felons be allowed to vote?

[kat]

I think after they have served their time/probation they should then be allowed to petition the courts to re-instate their right to vote. My oldest ds got into trouble at the age of 17 when he and some friends thought it would be cool to steal a coke machine. Well the cost of the machine warrented a felony theft charge. After his probation, he can petition to reinstate his voting rights. I'd hate to think that because of a stupid childish prank my ds could never exercise that right.

[jbaxter]

first time felons - after time and probation is served restore voting rights. repeat felons yank those rights permantly.

[RCT]

IMHO, no one in the prision system should have the right to vote....after you have served your sentence, depending on the crimes/offenses....I guess the parole board could mantate that....but while they are in prision...NO WAY

[Mickey]

I think you should be allowed to vote when you are released from prison.