On Thursday, Republican Senator Lindsey Graham took to social media to suggest a vote on Bernie Sanders’ and other Democrats’ recent argument that prisoners serving time for rape, murder, and terrorism should be allowed to vote from the penitentiary.
“Let’s vote on [Bernie Sanders’] idea to allow rapists, murders, and terrorists to vote from prison,” suggested Graham, which he said would allow US voters to “See where every elected official stands” on the issue.
During a recent town hall event, Sanders shocked the nation with his assertion that some of America’s most violent criminals, including terrorists, should be allowed to vote in federal elections.
Other Democrats, including Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, have signaled their support for Sanders’ idea.
Let’s vote on @BernieSanders idea to allow rapists, murderers, and terrorists to vote from prison.
See where every elected official stands!https://t.co/ZwFETdbM7h
— Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) April 25, 2019
Social media users overwhelmingly agreed that Sanders’ notion is absurd, and flocked to share their opinions on how to address the situation.
While responses varied, with many believing that voting rights should be re-instated following a prisoner’s release, commenters were clear that allowing convicted felons to vote from prison is not an issue most Americans agree with.
I can’t even believe that’s a question being floated around. I think the democrats are trying to “out left” each other!!!
— Crissie (@Kabagirl0331) April 25, 2019
Bernie is just paving the way for HRC to vote from prison.
— Victoria✝️ MAGA ❤️🇺🇸 (@LuziVeeLuVxoxox) April 25, 2019
GET EM Senator Graham! 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
— Nathaniel A. DeCarlo (@NDeCarlo8617) April 25, 2019
Let me see…the reason they are incarcerated…?…they should not have any rights!
— Marilyn Crady (@Mcrady7) April 25, 2019
A convicted & incarcerated Prisoner gives up their right to vote
I agree that upon release from incarceration, having served their legal penalty should have their Federal voting rights restored.
I’d support a State’s right to decide regarding State office elections, not Federal pic.twitter.com/AjSAjmA7L0— R_Owl_Mirror (@R_Owl_Mirror) April 25, 2019
Now THIS I can agree with @LindseyGrahamSC on: it’s a terrible idea and I don’t ever want to see something like that pass. It’s certainly NOT a slippery slope: you’re in jail, you don’t get to vote. Now I DO agree with restoring voting rights after someone is released.
— 🌊WE’REALREADYGREAT🌊 (@GMaSueRox) April 25, 2019
Absolutely not! They have ALL forfitted their rights when they broke the law! I am shocked that we as a nation are actually having to debate this. But not surprising that it comes from the party who wants to enfranchise illegal aliens!
— Lander Dunbar (@DunbarLander) April 25, 2019