Federal judges: Washington felony inmates should get vote

[Upton]

Incarcerated felons should be allowed to vote in Washington to ensure that racial minorities are protected under the Voting Rights Act, a federal appeals court ruled Tuesday.

The 2-1 ruling by a three-judge panel of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals means the more than 18,000 felons behind bars in the state could get back their right to vote - without having to wait until they are released from prison and are no longer on probation or parole. The ruling also could open the door to similar lawsuits in the 9th Circuit's eight other states and two territories.

http://www.komonews.com/news/80734612.html

I'm not sure how I feel about the idea of prison inmates voting. Once they get out, sure, but while still serving time?...What I do know is that AG Rob McKenna has said he's going to appeal this ruling to the SCOTUS.

[SeattleGirl]

1. I feel the same way you do, Upton

Washington already has a method in place for ex-felons to reinstate their right to vote.

I understand the point the 9th was making, in that the majority of people in jail/prison are minorities. I'm just not sure this is the way to attack that statistic.

It will be interesting to see what happens when McKenna makes his appeal.

[LeFleur1]

2. If They've Been Convicted...

...does it matter that they are minorities? Perhaps the emphasis should be on our justice system if the judge feels they have been convicted unfairly. No to voting while in prison. Is there any other group more prone to taking money for a favor (in this case, a vote)? Other than the politicians themselves :)

[eridani]

3. I don't think that this will fly

Only two states have voting by prisoners, and I can't see WA going for it. Reinstating rights after they get out is something we did last year.

[NoFace]

4. I have no problem with having prisoners vote...

...they are citizens just like the rest of us.

As far as the fear of bribery thing goes...who in their right mind is going to pay felons to vote?

How would you even know whether they voted for who you told them to anyways?