State should allow former drug convicts right to vote

Editorial
Published: October 7, 2008

We’re only a month from what is arguably considered to be the most historic election of our time, and state officials aren’t clear if some ex-felons have the right to cast their ballots. One would think that someone with pull in Montgomery would have thought about this long before now.

The Alabama Secretary of State’s office formed an opinion that those with previous drug convictions would be allowed to vote. But scores of registered voters with such previous convictions are being told they will not be able to vote for Sen. John McCain or Sen. Barack Obama for president next month.

This is an issue that must be addressed in a hurry.

When a person commits a serious crime, they give up many rights. They often give up the basic right to freedom and spend weeks, months or even years behind bars. When you commit a crime, you should do the time and face whatever consequences that come with the conviction.

But once that debt to society is paid and a felon is released, they are still citizens. Felons who have paid their debt and have once again become law-abiding, tax-paying, productive members of society should not continue to be less of a citizen or have less of a voice in how their taxes are spent. Taxes paid are an investment into the state, city and country. They should be granted the right to vote in an election, just like anyone else.

Part of sentencing should include jail time, but it should not strip them of their citizenship.

People taking time out of their day to stand in line at the polls and cast their ballots show they care enough about the direction of this state and nation. It is an act of responsibility. It is an act of pride and patriotism. They, too, should have a voice. And who’s to say their voice wouldn’t be any different than yours?

We do not think precincts will be overrun by ex-cons looking to score a drug deal on the way out the door. If they didn’t care about America, they wouldn’t want the right to vote.

But at the moment, the issue remains up in the air. Officials in Montgomery would show how much they truly care about this election by coming to a quick decision and not leave this group of potential voters hanging out to dry. They’ve already done their time.