Voting is fundamental to democracy. Tens of millions of people will cast their ballots on November 5th. However, the U.S. Constitution does not explicitly grant the right to vote. Instead, the regulation of voting eligibility is delegated to individual states. This has led to different approaches regarding voting rights for former felons, with some states allowing restoration upon sentence completion and others imposing permanent restrictions.  

Supporters of reinstating voting rights for former felons argue that doing so may enhance civic engagement, potentially reducing recidivism. By having a stake in elections and local governance, individuals who have served their sentences are encouraged to reintegrate positively into society. This civic connection, advocates say, helps former offenders feel valued and responsible, ultimately contributing to safer, more stable communities. 

Others contend that automatic restoration of voting rights may weaken public respect for law and order, suggesting that a case-by-case restoration process, based on demonstrated rehabilitation, is a more appropriate approach to ensure that the gravity of certain crimes is acknowledged while still allowing for reintegration into society. 

Opponents argue that certain crimes warrant permanent consequences, including the loss of voting rights, to maintain moral accountability within society. They believe that voting is a privilege inherently tied to civic responsibility, and allowing former felons to vote may diminish the perceived seriousness of certain offenses.  

So, what do you think? Should voting rights be reinstated for convicted felons who completed their sentence? Students can answer, ‘Yes, they should;’ ‘No, they should not;’ or a nuanced answer in between! Be sure to submit your responses by (insert date here) to be considered for this week’s contest.  

 

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Note: Ideal Think the Vote responses include the following:      

• Address the question asked in a thoughtful and meaningful manner     
• Use cited facts and constitutional arguments when appropriate to support their answers      
• Are expressed in cohesive sentences and are free of distracting spelling, punctuation, and grammatical errors      
• They address counterarguments and opposing concerns in a respectful manner      
• They organize their answer in a manner that flows logically and reads clearly   

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JOIN THE DEBATE BELOW FOR A CHANCE TO WIN A $1,000 CASH SCHOLARSHIP! 

For this question, BRI will be giving away two $25 gift cards, one to each person providing the best defense of each side of the debate. Both students will also win BRI swag. Each student winner will also be entered for a chance to win a grand prize of a $1,000 cash scholarship. Additionally, the referring teachers for both students will each win a $25 gift card and BRI swag. 

This question will run from 11/7/24 to 11/21/24, so be sure to submit your answers in time to be considered for our prizes!