Argumentative Essay on Felons Should Be Allowed To Vote

Did you know that approximately six million people are unable to vote during each election because they committed a felony? In recent debates about whether felons should be allowed to vote, some argue that these people don't deserve this privilege. On the other hand, many others, myself included, believe that felons should be given the opportunity to vote. Some wonder if people who broke the law should lose the freedom to choose a leader. Others question if one serious mistake should make your opinions and beliefs unimportant. Some people feel that voting is the right of every American citizen and every vote matters. These are points that lead to many different views. If we look to the Bible, we see how God values us even when we make mistakes. He gives us the opportunity to repent and put the past behind us, so this is a topic worth exploring!

For many years there were rules in many places that prevented people who have committed a felony from voting. I believe that felons should be capable of voting and not lose their ability to choose a leader. America is a free society and this is a freedom everyone should have. Although people will claim that those who've been to jail don’t change, I think we should offer them a chance to vote, for a few reasons. First, one wrong thing in your past should not affect your future to be able to vote. Scond, as we've seen in prior elections, each and every vote matters. Lastly, it is unfair that 6 million people have had their voting rights stripped from them. 6 million people can greatly alter any election.

I believe that one mistake that someone committed in their past should not be able to affect their ability to vote, because after all, they are already serving jail time for the crime they committed. Just because they are in jail, or committed a felony does not mean they don't have an opinion. Even though they may have done something wrong, God gives forgiveness. We all have an opportunity to change and repent. When someone commits a felony and their freedom to vote is taken away, they won't be able to impact any upcoming elections, just because of one thing in their past.

Secondly, as we've seen in prior elections, every vote matters. According to different studies, one out of every six people can’t vote, because of felonies. Some elections have come down to only a few votes. The most essential duty of an American citizen is to vote even when they think that one vote won't matter. One example of an extremely close election took place in 2000, when George W Bush won his election by only 100,000 votes. This shows how important each vote is. Taking away a felon’s chance to vote is limiting the number of people that can vote, which can impact an election.

Furthermore, many will say that those who have committed a felony should not be handed the ability to vote as a consequence. Even if a crime is committed, you should still be entitled to vote, because someone’s vote is their opinion. Another point they will say is that felons do not deserve a second chance, and therefore should not be able to vote. I believe they should, because God gives us second chances. One verse that supports this idea is 1 John 1:9, which says “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness”. 

Finally, according to many sites, including “the sentencing project,” roughly six million people have been stripped of their voting rights, because of a committed felony. There is no doubt that six million people can easily alter an election, especially if large groups of them were getting together to support the same politician. Also, according to the “constitution center”, the 15th amendment states that everyone claims the right to vote. Taking away a felon’s ability to vote, is taking away part of their freedoms and restricting them from expressing their opinions, which is unfair.

In conclusion, I believe that everyone deserves a second chance to vote, even if you have done something that places you in jail as a felon. A Lot of people will say that felons don't deserve the privilege of voting after doing something wrong, but like the 15th amendment states, we are all permitted the freedom to vote. I believe that even if you have made a mistake in your past, it should not be held against you, preventing your future ability to vote.