Freed felons' voting rights sought: Legislature urged to remove limits

[Thom Little]

The ACLU of Kentucky and other groups will ask the General Assembly for a constitutional amendment that would automatically restore the voting rights of released felons.

If the amendment clears the legislature next year and is approved by Kentucky voters, it would eliminate the requirement that felons ask the governor to restore their rights.

Gov. Ernie Fletcher has a policy that requires convicted felons who have been released to provide three character references and write why they should be able to vote. He also gives prosecutors a chance to object to restoration of someone's rights.

Janet Tucker, chairwoman of Kentuckians For The Commonwealth, one of the groups that joined the ACLU at a news conference yesterday at the Capitol, criticized that policy.

"It's unfair. It's intimidating. It's ultimately a literacy test," Tucker said. "This is a very, very important social justice issue. When you disenfranchise huge pockets of our population, you can't call yourself a democracy."


http://www.courier-journal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?Date=20051122&Category=NEWS0104&ArtNo=511220388&SectionCat=&Template=printart

[ridgerunner]

1. You'd think

that since Ernie Fletcher stands a good chance of becoming a convicted felon himself he might have a little empathy on this issue.

Personally I think it's crazy that we continue to punish people after their sentence has been served.

[alfredo]

2. Any of you KFTC members? That is a big issue with them.

I just finished working with them on the local control of water issue. They're very good at mobilizing people.


We had some Green Corps intern helping. Too bad they had to leave. I miss them very much.


BTW
Janet Tucker is a hero in my book.