Hi everyone, my name is Vladimir Kovalik; I am a resident of Seattle and am very interested in this cause. I think it is absolutely ridiculous that ex convicts are deprived of their right
to vote. I recently wrote a term paper on completely reforming the prison system because I feel it is detrimental to
society. Regardless however, I think that everyone should have the right to vote as long as they are a citizen of
the United States. For too long we have been denying these people their basic right. If a citizen is expected to be completely
rehabilitated and return as a productive member of society upon release from prison, why not give them their right
to vote.
Some argue that the disenfranchisement of ex-cons is a deterrent to people who are tempted to commit
a crime, but can you honestly believe that someone actually considered this before committing a felony? This is one example
of the many flawed arguments supporting disenfranchising ex-convicts. I also believe that the prison system as a
whole is far mote damaging to its inmates than beneficial or providing any sort of rehabilitation. I think if there is
one group of people who we should ask about how our government is working, it is the ones who have suffered through the penal system. The prison system does little to rehabilitate their inmates and actually cuts funds from such programs,
perhaps the direct reason that two thirds of inmates return to prison after being released.
Legally Speaking,
denying these people the right to vote is against the terms of The Voting Rights Act. According to the United States
Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit, in the case of Farrakhan v. State of Washington, this was stated "Congress amended Section 2 of the VRA in 1982 to relieve plaintiffs of the burden of proving discriminatory intent. [...] As
a preliminary matter, we agree with the district court that Plaintiff's claim of vote denial is cognizable under
Section 2 of the VRA. Felon disenfranchisement is a voting qualification, and Section 2 is clear that any voting
qualification that denies citizens the right to vote in a discriminatory manner violates the VRA." This clearly
states that disenfranchisement is discriminatory and unlawful. How can such an injustice continue to be practiced?
I think that this is a wonderful organization and in support of an honorable cause. Disenfranchisement is a discriminatory
and out of date practice that must be abolished immediately. Thank you guys so much for making this blog available to
our citizens and letting me put in my two cents.
Source
for Quotation Farrakhan v. State of Washington (PDF) United States Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit July
25, 2003
This is Natalie Hobbs your volunteer coordinator. Please join the campaign! As everyone knows the country is in a race to find the next presidents. At the moment we have three candidates that are
pouring their hearts and souls into every debate and discussion. It doesn't matter which candidate you are for, all three
candidates want to bring some sort of change to this country. It doesn't matter what channel you flip to on the television,
the chances are that any viewer can catch some sort of debate or conversation including Clinton, Obama, or McCain in some
shape or form. Of all the debates that are going on right now it truly disappoints me that no one is covering the topic of
how convicted felons are not able to vote! Of course this issue does not effect everyone so why would a presidential candidate
talk about this issue? But, I don't see how hundreds of thousands of people being disenfranchised is not a Major problem.
This disenfranchisement seriously restricts the voter population, and in the country that is known for it's democracy
it is sick and wrong not to let so many people vote. Within this injustice there is another problem... No one is willing
to take a stand and talk about this.
Think about it... How many politicians have you heard talk about
this particular controversial issue over the years? Has anyone ever tried to look up what a politician has said about re-enfranchising
convicted felons? It takes hours of searching to find a single quote, and when you find a quote a politician has said on this
issue it is usually dated. How are we to find a resolution to this problem if no one of importance is willing to confront
it? And, while this topic goes unnoticed thousands of people around the country suffer as they watch the presidential debates
go on and know that they won't have a say in this historic race.
For all of you who are not convicted felons
the problem is that there are so many jumps and hoops to go through to establish voting rights after being convicted of a
felony. In the state of Washington, and other states around the U.S there are three main things an individual must do to re-establish
voting rights. 1). pay all fines. 2) no longer be on any sort of parole. 3) all restraining and no trespassing orders must
be expired. Two out of those three things just take time to expire, but it's ridiculous not to let people vote because
of a restraining order. Or what if someone has parole for 15 years? These people are let out of jail/prison and are expected
to be a normal citizen. If they have to do all the things a normal citizen does why do we treat them as less than human and
take away their right to vote? Paying off the fines that a state charges is a story within it's self. The fines are huge,
an ex-felon has to pay interest on top of the fine for every year it is not paid, and it is extremely difficult to get a job
if one has a felony on their record. All these things take YEARS to complete.
As a minor it kills me slowly to
know that I will not be old enough to vote in this up coming presidential election. I can only imagine the pain and suffering
of the ex-felons across America who have changed there ways, became a good citizen to their community, are paying off their
fines along with their bills, and still cannot vote. For all the people out there who cannot vote in this election and want
too, my deepest sympathies. This campaign will do all it can to change the laws of almost all the states so that everyone
who wants to vote will be able to vote.
My name is Natalie Hobbs, and I am the Volunteer Coordinator for getupstandup.com. We are a truly not-for-profit
organization, and our purpose is to allow convicted felons to be able to vote nation wide. In the State of Washington (where
we are based) and other states, convicted felons must be off parole, paid all fines, and no longer have any no-contact (restraining)
orders out to be able to vote. Those who are convicted felons know that paying off the fines alone takes years. This is especially
true when ex-felons are discriminate against when looking for a job. Ex-felons can also be on parole for a number of years,
and restraining orders can be re-issued against anyone for a life time.
This restriction to one's right to
vote is a disgrace in America. This restriction is against the U.S 14th Amendment and the fundamental morals this nation was
founded on. So, whether you think that felons should be allowed to vote in prison or once off parole please join our campaign,
and let everyone who wants to vote, vote. Getupstandup.com will not accept any cash donations, but we greatly appreciate everyone's
time in this campaign. So if you would like to join, click join the campaign and fill out the form. Your forms will be sent
to me, and I will get you started on helping the fight for letting every ex-felon be
able to vote.
Volunteering can include simple things as well as more elaborate things. Whether you want to write
a blog about how you feel about this issue we would love to hear your voice. Or if you want to start an initiative in your
home state we will guide you. All ideas are welcomed! For any high school students who need community service to graduate,
we will give you community service hours for any participation in this fight. This campaign is not restricted to 18 and older
persons. Anyone who wants to fight for the right to universal voting, please donate your time and help us.
I'm sure by now you all have noticed that our site design has changed, but what you may not know is that our
site's community is changing as well. Over the last two months there has been an extraordinary growth in
our size and we have been undergoing major changes the last few weeks to keep up with this rapid growth and
foster new venues to keep the message going strong.
We need you now. No, not your money.
We need your
voice, your time, and your talent in order to keep this campaign going strong and to maintain our donation-free policy.
Volunteer on-line or in your communities and if you need them, earn community service
hours while you do so. Blog, research, start a chapter, speak, the opportunities are endless and the choices are all yours.
Internships are also available and students should first check with their school for approval.
We are also looking
for individuals looking to take on leadership roles as we are about to launch our State to State Campaign.
We
are counting on you at this critical moment. Together, we can all make a difference.
