Does the Punishment Fit the Crime?

As of Thursday, September 13, 2012

A recent Pilot headline read “Man Charged With Felony Voter Registration Fraud” (Sept. 5).

I expected to read that someone had taken fraudulent documents to the DMV or submitted falsified records to another government agency. Not so.

The crime was that someone had submitted a voter registration application. As a result, they were arrested and released on a $2,000 bond.

Granted, the person was a convicted felon. I understand the reason for felons to be denied the right to legally possess a firearm. But, the right to vote? What threat does that present to society?

Data clearly indicate a disproportionate number of minority felons. I suspect, as well, that the level of education among felons is well below that of the typical citizen.

This situation brings to my mind the Jim Crow laws that were enforced in the majority of American states from the 1880s into the 1960s. This not-so-subtle ploy that prevented African-Americans from voting was abolished in 1965.

This fall, my son and daughter will have their first opportunity to vote in a presidential election. I cannot say with certainty that they will exercise their responsibility in this regard.

Yet, someone who has paid their debt to society risks reincarceration for attempting to participate in his country’s democracy.

Notwithstanding the issue of whether or not felons should have the right to vote, in this instance the punishment does not fit the crime.

Is this to say that crimes of greater magnitude in Moore County have been sufficiently addressed and resolved? Bottom line, there’s something wrong with this picture.

Nancy C. Carter

Carthage

More like this story

Behan 8 months, 1 week ago

An idiot can do far more damage with a ballot than he can with a bullet--our current situation providing ample proof.

Guy_Forks 8 months, 1 week ago

Nancy, felons can register to vote. After they have completed their sentence. That sentence is not necessarily time served in a jail, but may also include years of probation. During that time a felon may not vote, and may not posses a firearm.

After completing their sentence, all felons can reapply with the NC secretary of state for the return of their second amendment right. The "right to vote" I believe is automatically reinstated, or they file with some state agency, I can't remember which.

I can't say I have much sympathy for felons, because to be a felon, you must first violate the privileges and immunities of their fellow citizens by cheating, stealing, assaulting, or killing just to name a few. Do we really want to trust someone with that predisposition to vote in the best interest of their fellow human?

dogboy 8 months, 1 week ago

...so she is concerned about having felons vote but is indifferent to her children voting! Beautiful, you just can't make this stuff up.

fugitiveguy 8 months, 1 week ago

"Data clearly indicate a disproportionate number of minority felons."

Clearly whites have not been doing their fair share.

clarabelle 8 months, 1 week ago

" Behan - An idiot can do far more damage with a ballot than he can with a bullet--our current situation providing ample proof. "

For once I agree with behan...............bush was elected to two terms...............

The_AnonymusProfit 8 months, 1 week ago

When a person is released from there sentence whether it be incarceration or probation, there right to vote is restored.

After speaking with a sheriffs deputy I was informed that only the DA can call for a warrent for this type of crime,

Though not giving any specifics, the sherrif led me to believe that this was not what was reported, the person in question has done something that violates the law as far as voting goes, however it was not simply registering as a felon.

The_AnonymusProfit 8 months, 1 week ago

@ Guy_Forks

Ever heard the saying Non Felons are people who just havn't been caught.

JimRussell44 8 months, 1 week ago

I guess Behan forgets how an idiot with a bullet can eliminate the votes of millions of voters. Idiots with keyboards do a lot of damage as well.

SH59 8 months, 1 week ago

The last sentence on the voter registration form before you sign says," I have not been convicted of a felony, or if I have been convicted of a felony, I have completed my sentence, including any probationn or parole. (Citizenship and voting rights are autoatically restored upon completion of the sentence. No special document is needed.)

fatboy 8 months, 1 week ago

Behan1 day, 20 hours ago

An idiot can do far more damage with a ballot than he can with a bullet--our current situation providing ample proof. Right you are Behan, but we can make it right in November by getting NObama out.