f Submitted by W. Andrew McCullough, Independent and Libertarian candidate for Utah Attorney General in 1996; and a member of the Board of Directors of the ACLU of Utah. Arguments Against The Utah Legislature has voted to deprive convicted felons of the right to vote, until restored to that privilege by action of the Legislature. While many states have similar legal provisions, Utah has never before prohibited those convicted of crimes from voting, with narrow exceptions. This tradition of allowing everyone to vote in Utah started when some leaders of the LDS Church were convicted felons, because of the practice of polygamy. More than 100 years after Statehood, the legislature who now suggests that allowing convicted felons to vote will injure the electoral process. Rebuttal To The Legislature has not deprived convicted felons of the right to vote. Only the voters can make that decision. Not the Legislature. If this resolution passes, the law allows for the restoration of those rights when felons are released from prison, placed on probation, or paroled. These prisoners have demonstrated complete lack of respect for our laws. Their crimes against society are of a serious nature. They have not been imprisoned for traffic violations or other minor offenses. There is no evidence to support this proposition. Several years ago the City of Draper became concerned that inmates at the Utah State Prison might influence the vote in Draper, where the prison is located. That problem was solved by a law that gave convicted felons residency where they lived prior to being incarcerated. Prison officials now say that voting by prisoners, which must be by absentee ballot, is fairly low. It is pleasing to note that there has been a renewed interest and desire by prisoners to vote since this issue was debated by the legislature. Again we see that it is human nature that we often do not appreciate something special until it is taken from us. The real question, however, is not whether allowing convicted felons to vote is harmless. The more important question is whether there is any positive value to society as a whole, in keeping the law the way it stands. In the pro argument for this resolution it is inferred that voting rights are taken by federal law from those convicted of felonious crimes in federal courts. It is more factual to state that the federal courts advise the states of those convictions, and then all but four of the states restrict those rights. The result is practically the same. Voting in the United States is a sacred privilege. It allows us to participate in making major decisions which affect our lives. Most of those convicted of felonies and sent to prison or jail do not feel that they have much stake in society and societys goals. Most of them did not make a practice of voting before their conviction. Our prison system has, over the years, provided various programs to train, educate and assist inmates in avoiding continued criminal activity when they are released. Members of the Legislature, and the public at large, have objected to these programs because they are expensive to maintain. They argue that providing training and education to inmates seems more like a reward than a punishment; and people want these inmates punished. Unlike education and training programs, allowing inmates to vote costs little or nothing. If just a few of them get involved in our democratic process by voting, that is a substantial benefit to society. If those who were formerly completely alienated from society now feel that they have a voice and can participate in some small way in decision making, they are less likely to continue criminal activity. This simple connection with society and its traditions, causes no harm, and no appreciable expense. Convicted felons should be encouraged, rather than in our electoral from participating and discouraged, governmental processes. If they are involved with us, maybe a few more of uscan live without fear of crime. Please join with me in voting against Proposition Number 4. The real issue here is: Should those convicted felons, who have committed serious crimes against our society be allowed to vote while imprisoned or not? All but four states have said they should not. We legislators think they should not. But you, the people of the state of Utah must decide. We encourage you to vote yes for this resolution. Representative Carl R. Saunders 32