Let convicts vote

Even with Florida's new law re-enfranchising about 1.5 million felons who have completed their sentences, millions of ex-cons don't have the right to vote in America. But two states, Maine and Vermont, allow every eligible adult to vote, including big house residents. Many argue the incarcerated have forfeited their right to vote as just punishment for their anti-social behavior. Yet, if the goal of justice is to protect the public and rehabilitate the incarcerated for eventual return to society, convict voting serves both purposes. It has no adverse effect on public safety and may have a positive effect on rehabilitation by encouraging voters to re-engage with society.

 in Maine and Vermont? FBI violent crime statistics place Vermont 49th and Maine last in violent crime per 100,000 residents. . The reasons must be many, but convict voting certainly doesn't hurt.

A political saying, “As Maine goes, so goes the nation,” was popular at one time, reflecting Maine's reputation as a bellwether state for predicting presidential elections. When it comes to convict voting, we should update that to: “As Maine and Vermont go on convict voting ... so should the nation.”

Walt Zlotow

Glen Ellyn