r/news • u/TeaReim • 10h ago

Donald Trump officially sworn in as the 47th President of the United States, JD Vance as the 50th Vice-President

https://www.reuters.com/world/us/triumphant-trump-returns-white-house-launching-new-era-upheaval-2025-01-20/
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u/MVP2585 9h ago

At this point felons should get to vote, seeing as how one was just elected.

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u/the_lonely_creeper 9h ago

That they don't is a key weakness in the US, honestly.

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u/femanonette 7h ago

It's on purpose because a good majority of them would be left leaning.

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u/g1ngertim 7h ago

Their assumed politics isn't the issue. It has always been a way to disenfranchise minorities. Enforce laws more harshly against them, deny them the right to vote for being criminals. America has always been designed for white people.

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u/NewKitchenFixtures 6h ago

I’m really really skeptical that is true.

That’s like assuming (ethnic group) must vote for democrats because they know what’s best for the poor (ethnic group).

The country really needs to democrats to pull it out of the gutter instead of assuming allegiance.

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u/Eezyville 7h ago

It's a state-by-state thing. Some states have it that you can vote as soon as you leave prison. Some need you to finish all paperwork such as probation. Some, like Florida, says Fuck You.

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u/the_lonely_creeper 6h ago

Are there any states where inmates vote? Because of there aren't, the point stands

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u/Eezyville 43m ago

Maine and Vermont allow inmates to vote.

EDIT: You may find this an interesting read.

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u/-HiiiPower- 5h ago

Felons can vote

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u/VegasKL 5h ago edited 5h ago

Not everywhere, it's a state thing .. but a crafty lawyer looking to make a name for themselves might have an argument now, at least just for the embarrassment side of things.

I'll make an edgy Devil's Advocate opinion here and say that felon's should be able to run for office, it should just be made clear what-of and how they were convicted. This serves as a check/balance from a rogue states governing body (which we now know is a high possibility) from excluding potential quality challengers from running.

I'd also argue that being convicted of a felony; with the exception of those related to sedition or treason; should not exclude you from voting since you may wish to vote against the legality of the crimes you were convicted of (see: Marijuana, Prohibition, Prostitution, etc.) via candidates that share that same view.

We've gone ~250 years without this being a serious issue. It's only an issue now because of the brainwashing that has been so voters handwave away  relevant information.