A friend of mine in Virginia got his voting rights back and didn’t even have to apply for restoration. Of course, at that time the governor was a Democrat.

I am in complete agreement Capt. However,after the last few years I don’t even want others to know I was associated with the Republic party. It seems the Democrats are the new Republicans and vice versa. I Am not saying anything to endorse one party over another or cause a ruffle of feathers.I am at lost even I got voting rights back I would not know who to vote for anymore.

I used to donate regularly to political activities…Republican party…but until my earned rights are restored I have better organizations to donate to. When people start throwing around “unconstitutional’ ask them to be specific…article/section…that is being violated? That usually brings the conversation to a halt. It’s a term many use nowadays if something doesn’t go the way they want. Contrary to what some may think, studying the Constitution and it’s original intent…before politicians started butchering it…is really quite interesting. We had a group that met in my home to study it and we may repeat the study. Something new always seems to ‘pop out’.

The State of Florida is appealing the findings of Judge Mark Walker in the US Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit that the dis-enfrangement of all voters who have completed their sentences should have their rights restored, ALL felons.
In addition to the right to vote, the rights of jury duty, 2nd amendment right to have firearms, etc. will be addressed. The ACLU along with the original persons who brought forth Amendment 4 is requesting the court to keep this appeal and not dismiss it. If the Constitutional Amendment is UN-constitutional it will be and is being attacked. Hold tight, registered citizens still have a chance in Florida

Even though I was released from probation eleven years early, to be removed from the Florida registry would be like the loss of a 1000# weight from around my neck. I remember in the Navy that every time we got a new boss and even though things were going well, we had to make changes just for the hell of it. We called it the ‘not invented here syndrome’. I suspect that is, in a modified manner, what we are dealing with here. Those who ‘invented the registry’ don’t want to admit that it’s a costly failure but don’t want to eliminate it because they lay claim to its ‘invention’ and until a whole new crew of ‘enforcers’ come on board no one wants to admit failure. We need some new ‘inventors’.

I couldn’t agree with Dustin and Gerald anymore…..financial “incentives” would hurry the process right along….I’ve had several email conversations with Ms. Aukerman and she confirmed what Dustin stated that Michigan LOSES money by keeping this registry up. Apparently, our $50 per year price club membership doesn’t get them close to breaking even…that being said, Gerald sorry for the loss of your friend. It makes you wonder how many have died with feelings of despair & loneliness that come from being alienated and continuously punished and discriminated against. As I have stated before on this forum, I have as much to gain to gain from this court decision or legislation as anybody…it should result in my total removal from Michigan’s registry. I know it’s hard to keep the faith but hopefully better days are coming our way!

Personally, I think pay raises for legislators including cost of living increases should come strictly from the ballot box. Don’t think it’s fair that legislators get to determine if they need or deserve a raise. Only applying to the next term doesn’t change anything – most bodies are 90+ percent full of incumbents.