Second Writing Assignment/Felony Voting Second Current Events Writing Assignment Felony Voting – You As Advocate for a New Position in Maryland Electoral Practice This is the second current events writing assignment. It follows the exact same guidelines/requirements as the first essay. Given the imminent t arrival of a national voting/election day (November 6) and early voting (right now) the issue of offender/ex-offender franchise (voting) and disenfranchisement is worthy of our attention. The right to vote is a federally protected right regarding any efforts to deny access based on race, creed, national origin, sexual orientation, language ability or other elements that historically have been used by some states to restrict voting rights. One area that does not have a federal guarantee/protected right relates to offenders primarily those with prior felony convictions. Some states permit voting, some have a period in the free community required before voting and a few states prohibit voting for those who have a documented previous felony conviction. Attached is a web based good discussion posting on this topic. It will serve as you base of information. No other content/information source is needed. You will add one additional source that you feel is worthy of posting and you may cite it but finding a solid discussion elsewhere is required and I will assume you have read it. It can be a solid editorial, op ed piece or even a discussion but the site I have posted is the base/platform for your essay. The Assignment – follow all guidelines of the First Writing Assignment regarding length, good writing guidelines and submission through Blackboard. The focus of your paper is to take a position on ex offender voting. I do not care or have any concerns with what position you might take. It might be one of the following: Oppose any voting for ex offender convicted of a felony for life Opposed felony voting for some restricted period Oppose voting until some conditions are met (your determination of conditions) Immediate voting even while serving a felony sentence in prison, in jail or on probation (your selection) Restoration of voting rights immediately (or some period selected by you) upon release from prison or jail (release is the key issue) Any other restriction not including above You select the position you wish to take as an advocate in Maryland. Write your essay of 1000 words presenting your position based on information received from the attached link with a requirement to find and cite one additional source. Ensure your essay has 300 words (+ 100 additional words if needed) on background so the reader understands the issue at hand.
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