Who should be allowed to vote?

Currently, one must be 18 years old, not imprisoned in a penitentiary, and a citizen of the United States in order to vote. It is estimated that over 5 million Americans do not have the right to vote due to felony convictions. Some say that once a serious crime is committed, that person has given up their right to vote for a lifetime while others argue that voting rights must automatically be restored once that person has been rehabilitated back into society. What do you think? Should individuals be permitted to vote in elections even after being convicted of a crime or should they lose that right for good? If they do lose that right, what message does that send to individuals in society? If they keep that right, what message does that send? What about people who have immigrated to this country and have not yet become citizens-should they have a say in local, state, and federal governments even though they are not officially citizens? The policies of each level of government often directly impacts their lives and considering they pay taxes (sales, state, and/or income) should that guarantee them a voice in the government? *When posting, please use a name so you can talk back and forth to one another rather than to "anonymous." Thanks!*

Should you care about our government?

Since elementary school, we have all learned that the United States is a democracy. We've also learned that a democracy means that all people are allowed to participate-to share ideas, concerns, problems, and worries with those we have elected. But does that mean anything to you? Why do you think some people choose to remain quiet when it comes to casting their vote? Does it have to do with not caring, not knowing what to believe, not feeling like their vote or voice matters, or something else? Why do you think some people choose to get involved by voting, protesting, registering neighbors to vote, writing editorials to the newspaper, and other means to making sure their voice is heard? Write a few of your ideas here on why some people practice what they've learned in history class and why others completely ignore it.