This post was inspired by the 'Euthanasia for Life Prisoners?' post. It got me thinking about the rights of those in jail, which reminded me of a discussion we had in Modern last year about whether people in jail should be allowed to vote. I got into an argument with my friend about voting as a basic right. I don't necessarily think it is. I think it's an *important* right, but not a fundamental right. It's essentially participation in society, an attempt to have a say, and if someone is in jail for murder or rape, they've obviously indicated that they can't adhere to the basic moral principles which are expected of each person within society. They are, in fact, detrimental to society.
So, should they get to vote? What should the circumstances be?
EDIT: (raised by loquasagacious) The corrolary to the OP's question is of course whether former prisoners should have a right (requirement in Australia) to vote?
This question was also raised during this particular Modern class. We had a Swiss exchange student at the time, and he told us that in Switzerland, if you have EVER been in prison, you can't vote.