Should Prisoners have the vote?

The European Court is insisting that the UK allow prisoners the vote.
I`ve listened to a debate on Radio 5 this morning and am not convinced by the arguments in favour of this - which are that the vote is a right for everyone, that it is a step towards rehabilitation, that it is a `slippery slope` to us treating prisoners are sub-human.

As one caller said - he`d really like the Court of Human Rights to support the victims occasionally....

As I understood it, the vote was not allowed because you had forfeited your right by transgressing the rules of the society. So until your sentence was over you were an `outlaw` as it were.

Leaving aside the question of the UK being subject to the International Court (in itself contentious) - what do you think?

Re: Should Prisoners have the vote?

In order to implement the vote for all prisoners, no doubt by postal vote, there is bound to be a cost to the taxpayer, so the answer is 'no'.

Re: Should Prisoners have the vote?

My way of thinking is that if they can't abide by the law, they should forfeit their right to vote.

Re: Should Prisoners have the vote?

I'm undecided tbh - not really sure what I feel on the matter. On one hand I think no, but then think of people being sent to prison for 'small' matters, then on the other hand I think yes. :-/

Re: Should Prisoners have the vote?

A definite no from me

Re: Should Prisoners have the vote?

Yes, I think Cameron is saying it shouldn`t be for murderers.
I understand the reasoning, but if you`ve broken the law, doesn`t it give the wrong message if some crimes disenfranchise you and some don`t?
I`m sure anyone who has ever been burgled or swindled wouldn`t regard the crime as unimportant. If you look at the crime from the point of the victim, very few would be small.
jmo

Re: Should Prisoners have the vote?

I think they should not have the right to vote-they have done wrong so they should have this taken from them until they are released back into society where they can then exercise this right.........

Re: Should Prisoners have the vote?

I would say no - people who are serving a prison sentence have been removed from society. Because of their removal from society I believe the right to vote should also be taken from them.

Re: Should Prisoners have the vote?

By commiting a crime, being convicted and inprisoned they have shown a disregard
for the democratic system that this country uses to contol everything therefore,
they should forfeit any rights to be involved in this country,s democratic process until the system deems them safe to be let back into society, IMO.

Re: Should Prisoners have the vote?

As I understand it the Euro Court Ruling stated that a blanket ban was unjust but certain prisoners(not specified) should have the right to vote.

I think any OAP that has being jailed for not paying his Council tax or TV licence should have the right to vote.

Cat A prisoners should not