An interesting observation by John Lott regarding the recent edict by Virginia governor Terry McAuliffe (Democrat) - his awarding the right to vote to all convicted felons who had served their time.
Why Virginia Gov Terry McAuliffe can't give felons right to vote without restoring their right to own guns
Governor Terry McAuliffe has given felons in Virginia the right to vote without allowing them the right to own a gun. His executive order will let murderers and rapists will be able to serve on juries. Say someone has committed multiple violent crimes. Is there an argument to be made that we have learned something about that individual's preferences? Presumably this is the argument for why McAuliffe doesn't want to restore their rights to own guns. But why then Virginians would want to let violent criminals help make public policy and serve on juries?
Shot (from the Richmond Times-Dispatch):
Gov. Terry McAuliffe signed an executive order Friday restoring the voting rights of 206,000 ex-felons, a sweeping action the governor said was aimed largely at rectifying Virginia’s “long and sad history” of suppressing African-American voting power. . . .
Chaser (from Article II, Section 1 of the Virginia Constitution):
No person who has been convicted of a felony shall be qualified to vote unless his civil rights have been restored by the Governor or other appropriate authority.
You can not have it both ways Mr. Governor - much as you would like...
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