Can people in Jail vote??

[BC-tess]

I thought that if an individual was in jail he/she could not vote. This is something I thought I remembered from HS government class, now that was 30 years ago.

This is a question for a "why it's important to vote" picture and description my 4th grader is doing.

Any link would be appreciated.

[merilahna]

You can't vote if you have been convicted of a felony. If you are in jail for other reasons, you can still vote.

Gina

[Larry_S]

Originally Posted by merilahna

You can't vote if you have been convicted of a felony. If you are in jail for other reasons, you can still vote.

Gina

Correct although lately some on the left want to return the right to vote to convicted felons. Military members who recieve a dishonorable diacharge can also lose their rights to vote.

[Amy]

In "jail" - most likely the answer is yes. Here's Michigan's law:

"If you have been convicted of a crime, and have been lawfully released from prison, you have the right to vote upon registering to vote. If you are confined in a jail, but have not been convicted or sentenced, and you are otherwise a qualified elector, you may request to register to vote by having your registration application notarized. You will be deemed a resident of the city, township, and address at which you resided prior to confinement."

If you're meaning in prison or convicted of a felony, then it's state specific. Here's a web site (a little outdated) but gives an over view of each state's law:

http://www.ncsl.org/programs/legismg...voterights.htm

[Amy]

And here's some more info:

http://www.civilrights.org/press_roo...or-change.html

[BC-tess]

Thanks I emailed her teacher!

[Suebee]

You have to get your right to vote reinstated after being released from prison.

Sue

[marg]

In North Carolina it is automatically restored after being released, paroled or pardoned. The individual does have to register however.

[BC-lisa in venice]

Originally Posted by marg

In North Carolina it is automatically restored after being released, paroled or pardoned. The individual does have to register however.

In CA it is not automatic. Once paroled you must then petition to be pardoned and it is not easy. My old boss had a conviction after being caught with a very small amount of pot. The federal sentencing guidelines kicked in and his little dime bag got him convicted of a felony. While he didn't serve any time it took him nearly 15 years to aquire the pardon which allowed him to vote.

lisa

[Suebee]

Wow I guess he must have inhaled!

Sue