Felons ought to Retain the Right to vote

Felons ought to Retain the Right to vote

Affirmative

I affirm the resolution:

Resolved: Felons ought to retain the right to vote.

For a better sense of understanding of key terms for both my opponent and my judge, I provide the following definitions:

Democracy (as defined by Black’s Law) - Government people by the people, either directly or through representatives
Felon (as defined by Black’s Law) - A person who has been convicted of a felony
Right n.   That which is proper under law, morality, or ethics; Something that is due to a person
by just claim, legal guarantee, or moral principle; A power, privilege, or immunity secured to a
person by law.
Duty: work that one is obliged to perform for moral or legal reasons

Value: Equality
Value Criterion: Civic Duty

Contention 1: Voting is a “duty” essential to a democratic society
Lyndon B. Johnson: We preach the virtues of democracy abroad. We must practice its duties here at home. Voting is the first duty of democracy.

Relate to definition of a democratic society (one that is ruled by the people)
Democratic societies place the duty to vote upon the citizen
People are essential to the well-being of a democratic society
- means to have an idealistic democratic society each person must   be represented

Contention 2: Disenfranchisement revokes citizenship

Jesse Furman, “Political Illiberalism: The Paradox of Disenfranchisement and the Ambivalence
of Rawlsian Justice”, Yale Law Journal, Volume 106, 1997:
“The right to vote is arguably the most important totem of democratic citizenship. Groups
throughout American history, from women to African Americans to the poor, have struggled to
achieve the full membership in the political community that the franchise grants. The Supreme
Court has declared that the right to vote is an "inalienable right," debasement of which makes
one ‘that much less a citizen.’”
- Relieving a citizen of the duty to vote relieves the felon of American...