Involvement In The Voting Process

Involvement in the political process is a privilege that should be given to all citizens of the United States who live under it. Voting rights differ from state to state; in many states felons cannot vote while they are in prison, while in some states they cannot vote until they have finished probation (Chung 2016). In a couple of states prisoners never lose their rights, whereas in other states, felons lose their rights permanently (Chung 2016). In the state of Texas, felons are not allowed to vote while they are incarcerated, while they are on parole, or on probation (Chung 2016). In consequence, felons are not involved in the political process even when they are dwelling within society and obeying its laws. Despite the current law, I believe …show more content…
Furthermore, the minute prisoners are released, they are once again able to rejoin the community as active members of society. These citizens’ basic civil liberties are returned to them. They are given the right to buy property, obligated to pay taxes, and may purchase alcohol, and they carry about their lives in an attempt to become acclimated into society and reform (Chapman 2006). Yet, still these citizens do not have voting privileges. This is unjust. These citizens should have a say in their community and the laws they live under. Many believe that ex-convicts are not trustworthy enough to be given the right to right; this very notion is preposterous; they have been given second chance at life for this reason (Chapman 2006). Thirdly, prohibiting ex-convicts from voting upon being released from prison causes felon disenfranchisement: a term that describes the alienation of felons from the political process. This alienation in turn causes a reduction their political involvement when they are finally given the opportunity to be involved (Cardinale 2016). If felons, who are not currently incarcerated along with those who …show more content…
Allowing myself to cast educated votes will create a power impression on my community. Educated voting allows me not to simply vote straight ticket but to vote in favor of what or who is best for the community. Secondly, joining an interest group will allow me to be grouped with others who share my same values, morals, and ideas. For instances, environment interest group lobby for cleaner water and preserving natural resources, and labor unions advocate for issues concerning work environments and pay rate (Gaylord 2006). Together the interest group and I will be actively involved in representing individuals who may not have a