[GA - PASSED] Voting Equality for Freed Inmates [Complete]

[Deropia]

Voting Equality for Freed Inmates
Category: Furtherment of Democracy | Strength: Mild
Proposed by: United Massachusetts | Onsite Topic​

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The General Assembly:

Noting that freed inmates have already paid the legal consequence for their action, and therefore ought to be, rather than shunned out of society, reintegrated into it,

Believing that the right to vote ought not to be arbitrarily deprived from individuals due to such factors as prior criminal status that do not impede one's mental competency,

Concerned especially for the innocently convicted, who, through felon disenfrachisement laws, are unfairly deprived of voting rights for a crime they did not commit,

Asserting, therefore, that the disenfranchisement of former criminals constitutes unjust discrimination that must, in the name of civil equality, be addressed by this Assembly:

1. Prohibits member nations from denying a non-imprisoned, otherwise-eligible individual the right to vote on an equal basis with any other voter solely on account of their prior criminal activity, unless any of the following is true:
   
   • said criminal activity directly pertained to any of the following crimes:
     • voter fraud or other related acts,
     • improperly aiding a foreign or domestic power in the subversion of the nation,
   • said person is on either parole or probation for a previous crime,
2. Prohibits member nations from enacting measures that would excessively impede the right of an otherwise-eligible former criminal from voting,
   
   
3. Reserves for member nations the liberty to legislate on the issue of enfranchisement for individuals under incarceration.

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Voting Instructions:

• Vote For if you want the Delegate to vote For the resolution.
• Vote Against if you want the Delegate to vote Against the resolution.
• Vote Abstain if you want the Delegate to abstain from voting on this resolution.
• Vote Present if you are personally abstaining from this vote.

Detailed opinions with your vote are appreciated and encouraged!

Spoiler: Regional Vote

[wavote=the_north_pacific,ga]2018_01_01_voting_equality_for_freed_inmates[/wavote]

Spoiler: World Vote

[wavote=world,ga]2018_01_01_voting_equality_for_freed_inmates[/wavote]

 

[Deropia]

The Ministry of World Assembly Affairs has reviewed the current at-vote proposal and its intentions are straightforward. Voting Equality for Freed Inmates does exactly as its title says, and ensures that voting privileges are extended to convicted criminals, provided that they have completed their term of incarceration and are not subject to parole or a probation order. Exceptions are reasonably provided for instances where the voter has been convicted of crimes related to voter fraud or has aided a foreign or domestic power in subverting the lawful government. Democracy is one of the core values of The North Pacific and the Ministry believes that the right to vote is one that should be enjoyed by everyone, regardless of their past. Voting Equality for Freed Inmates accomplishes this without placing undue hardship on national and local governments.
For these reasons, the Ministry of World Assembly Affairs recommends voting for the resolution.

 

[BMWSurfer]

For.

 

[TlomzKrano]

Not a fan of how narrow the line for denying a vote is. However, every citizen must be guaranteed a vote after serving due to time
For

 

[Michael Power]

For

 

[Ultima Atlantea]

For.

This resolution is a natural extension of the concept of criminals’ reintegration into society. As many nations are adherents to this ideology, I believe that voting For this resolution is but appropriate.

 

[Yukkira]

For

 

[Wilkshire]

Would definitely be in favour of this one.

For

 

[mcmasterdonia]

For

 

[Imperium Anglorum]

I would caution against increasing the marginal costs to democratic transition absent a democratic governance requirement. It would make it difficult at best to achieve democratic goals by expanding the barriers to the extension of suffrage to the populace as a whole.

 

[Secretary to The Committee]

Abstain

 

[Drasnia]

Abstain

 

[Lotion]

For

 

[Loz]

For

 

[Almacs]

For

 

[Stoskavanya1]

Against;
Poorly written, only accounts for "imprisoned" criminals, is an unneeded deterrent to transitioning to democracy.

Good legislation within a country, not the WA.

 

[Deropia]

Voting on this resolution has ended.

Thanks to those nations who cast their votes. Your participation is a great help to the region.

This topic has been locked and sent to the Archives for safekeeping. If you would like this topic to be re-opened for further discussion, please contact the WA Delegate, a Global Moderator, or an Administrator for assistance. Thank you.