New York Democratic ex-Rep. Mondaire Jones is facing criticism for proposing legislation that would have allowed convicted felons, including rapists and murderers, to vote from prison. Jones called the federal ban on incarcerated felons voting a form of slavery and advocated for the amendment alongside left-wing Rep. Cori Bush. The proposed amendment was defeated in the House in 2021, with even some Democrats voting against it. Jones lost in the 10th District Democratic primary and is now running against Republican Rep. Michael Lawler in the 17th district.
Jones believes that individuals serving time in prison should not be deprived of their right to vote, as it is a fundamental right. He argued that the deprivation of this right is inhumane and compared it to slavery. While New York restores voting rights to parolees after they have served their sentences, Jones believes that those still in prison should also have the opportunity to vote. He expressed disappointment after the defeat of the amendment, emphasizing the importance of allowing every human being to participate in the electoral process.
Law-enforcement groups and Lawler have criticized Jones for prioritizing the rights of criminals over their victims. They argue that individuals convicted of heinous crimes, such as cop killers and murderers, should not be allowed to vote from prison, as it goes against common sense and is an affront to victims. The proposed amendment, if passed, would have given individuals involved in the 1981 Brinks robbery case in Rockland County, which resulted in the deaths of police officers and a Brink’s guard, the right to vote from behind bars.
Jones’ advocacy for allowing criminals to vote from prison has been used by Lawler’s campaign to portray him as an extremist with radical views. Lawler’s campaign spokesperson criticized Jones for his support of policies like defunding the police and accused him of having a divisive and extreme ideology. The campaign argues that Jones cannot be trusted with any seat in public office due to his controversial stance on this issue. Voters in the Hudson Valley are urged to reject Jones in the upcoming election.
Despite the backlash, Jones defended his advocacy for the voting rights of incarcerated individuals. He accused Lawler of wanting to disenfranchise American citizens and highlighted Lawler’s previous votes to defund law enforcement in Congress. Jones’ campaign representative called on Lawler to apologize for his past actions and withdraw his support for individuals like former President Donald Trump. The ongoing dispute between Jones and Lawler underscores the deep divide over issues related to criminal justice reform and voting rights in the upcoming election for the 17th district in New York. Voters will have to weigh the candidates’ positions on these controversial topics when deciding who to support in the upcoming election.
