Felons in Calif. county jails allowed to vote
By Patrick McGreevy, Los Angeles Times
Despite widespread opposition from law enforcement, Gov. Jerry Brown signed a bill that will allow thousands of felons in county jails to vote in California elections as part of an effort to speed their transition back into society.
Through a representative, Brown declined to comment on the bill by Assemblywoman Shirley Weber, D-San Diego, who said it would reduce the likelihood of convicts committing new crimes.
“Civic participation can be a critical component of re-entry and has been linked to reduced recidivism,” Weber said when the bill was introduced.
I have always believed if you have broken the law and you pay your debt to society your done. I have never liked that the most fundamental right people have is taken away for life because you did something wrong at one point in your life. It has always seemed unfair. I am open to this change.