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Originally Posted by Ace_O_Spades
See... I don't like where these assumptions are going, from both sides of the argument.
Obviously, the onus to not recidivate is squarely on the offender. Just because you have a criminal record doesn't mean you're GOING to get another record, just that you're statistically more likely to reoffend if you've spent time in an institution.
There are legitimate jobs that a person with a criminal record can obtain. Or perhaps I'm operating from another faulty assumption of my own, as I do not know what proportion of jobs require a criminal record check in the USA. Generally in Canada it's only when you're placed in a position of authority, you will have access to confidential client information, or where you have contact with children or disadvantaged populations.
But I feel as if I'm going off on a tangent... I agree with Ustwo that not being able to vote doesn't make you commit crime. But ignoring all the associated elements of the equation doesn't make any sense either. Crime is such a multifaceted problem, it requires a multifaceted solution.
Quite frankly, I still don't see what is to be gained by removing the right to vote from these people. Is it strictly punishment? A deterrent? It seems overly harsh in the former, and completely ineffective in the latter.
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I'm assuming it's much harder to get a job because of things I see in the media.. which obviously will be flawed. What I see is people saying they got out, couldn't find a job, had mouths to feed so they did what they had to do.. and ended up back in the big house. Is it just an excuse? Possibly. Is it real? More than likely.
Almost every job requires a criminal background check. It's not a bad thing.. as if I employ someone I want to know whether or not they have a record and should I take an extra precaution or two. (there's that trust thing.. call me guilty) It's the fact that the majority of the time, a person will not be hired simply because they have a record that bothers me. A person should get a chance to redeem themselves and prove they can hold a job, and be a productive member of society. Truth be told, if everyone was examined to the nTH degree.. we'd all be looking for second chances.
I'm against the blanket laws of these states that completely remove the right. All felons are not equal.. hence the rating system. Someone who is convicted of felony DUI is not on the same level as a child rapist. It's pretty fucking simple. You have a class D or lower felony..you can vote.. anything higher.. sorry.. you'll have to wait a few years.