Ex-offenders should be allowed to vote

It was jarring to read how few ex-offenders have been allowed to vote since Gov. Terry Branstad instituted his new policies (“Few Iowa felons win restoration of voting rights,” June 25).

Something is off-track when those who have served their time are confronted with yet another hurdle to exercise their right to vote. Studies show that participation in civic duties, such as voting, does reduce recidivism. Also, there is no evidence that potential loss of voting rights serves as a deterrent from crime. In 2004-05, I worked with a group of dedicated students at Metro High School on this issue. They tried to convince the Legislature that voting rights should be extended to ex-offenders in a more streamlined manner. They had a simple question for those opposed to their efforts. How does keeping people from voting benefit Iowa? I would like to hear Branstad's answer.

Nobody is off the hook because they can vote. Court costs and fines still need to be paid. But every man and woman who re-enters society after being incarcerated should be encouraged to participate in the civic life of their community. We gain nothing by keeping these individuals from voting and we lose a convenient means to help integrate them back into society.

Mike Cervantes

Iowa City