In the race for New York’s 17th District, former Representative Mondaire Jones, who is now attempting to unseat Representative Mike Lawler, has found himself facing criticism for his past support of allowing felons to vote from prison. This controversial stance raises important questions about the rights and responsibilities of citizens, as well as the consequences of criminal behavior.
Jones’s argument in favor of allowing incarcerated felons to vote is that the current restrictions on their voting rights are comparable to a “form of slavery.” However, this comparison fails to acknowledge that the loss of voting rights is a consequence of violating the social contract and committing crimes. Imprisonment itself entails the loss of various rights and freedoms, including the right to participate in the democratic process.
Supporters of the current restrictions argue that felons have demonstrated a lack of regard for the rights of others by breaking the law. Allowing them to have a say in choosing the country’s leaders while they are serving their sentences would undermine the principles of justice and accountability. It is important to remember that the purpose of imprisonment is to punish those who have violated the law and to protect society from further harm.
Jones’s endorsement of this controversial idea has faced bipartisan criticism. Even Representative Cori Bush, a fellow progressive, recently lost support from her district’s Democrats after backing the same proposal. The rejection of this idea reflects a growing awareness of the negative consequences of the progressive policies that were embraced in the aftermath of the race riots in 2020. The increase in violent crime that followed those events has made such ideas politically toxic.
Beyond the issue of voting rights for felons, this controversy highlights a broader trend among progressives: a fundamental disregard for the value of citizenship. The push for open borders and lenient immigration policies undermines the significance of being a citizen and dilutes the meaning of citizenship itself. This disregard for citizenship is not only politically problematic but also contributes to the rise in crime associated with illegal immigration.
As voters in New York’s 17th District consider their choices in the upcoming election, it is crucial to remember the significance of voting and the responsibilities that come with it. While Jones may argue that voting is as valuable as a party favor, it is clear that many disagree. The right to vote is a fundamental aspect of citizenship and should not be taken lightly.
