Felony Disenfranchisement: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (HBO)

Many people with felony convictions are unfairly prohibited from voting, and the worst state for this - surprise - is Florida.
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[@mostmelon]

The "Fish Love" Jeopardy answer was actually "Wish list". I can finally rest in peace.

[@Inamichan]

mostmelon omg thank you! 😭😭

[@johndoe688]

this need to be voted higher

[@damaclinemowry5373]

Haha. Thank you. Me toooooooo

[@jamesblakey7672]

Oh thank god! Thank you!

[@RandolfLycan]

It's wheel of fortune but thanks :)

[@huber7777]

Good news everybody, Florida passed the amendment and 1.4 million felons can now vote again!

[@syferpolski4344]

Why not just call them humans? Or citizens? The whole point is you're not a criminal after serving your sentence

[@sedaratrotter2163]

Tabitha A Smith that’s terrible.... hopefully he can’t override the outcome of the votes.... supposed to be a democracy... smh

[@wolf1066]

@@sedaratrotter2163 Except that everyone outside the USA - who have therefore avoided all the propaganda - knows that the USA *isn't* a democracy.

[@wolf1066]

@@syferpolski4344 Exactly! It's bad enough that they aren't allowed to vote whilst incarcerated without being deemed to be "felons" after they've served their sentence.

[@Adowrath]

@Wolf NZ Outdoors Really? I'm Swiss, and we were taught the US is a democracy.

[@jv7x]

This story has a happy ending! It passed! 64% Way to go Florida!

[@ding809]

Unfortunately as a person who lives in FL. They passed a bill requiring felons to pay a good amount of fees they probably cant afford for thw right to vote.

[@davee1233]

@onyourleftbooob www.nytimes.com/2019/05/03/us/florida-felon-voting-amendment-4.html A DUI charge, even if dismissed by the judge, can cost about 60,000 dollars in court fees... Additionally, it is mandatory they have all the fees paid in full: not the payment plan. It's bullshit.

[@Username-or9nr]

Ding give me my hope back

[@spongeintheshoe]

We can change things.

[@ashleyallensworth5646]

WE DID IT! FLORIDA DID IT! 1.4 MILLION PEOPLE IN FLORIDA CAN VOTE AGAIN! GREAT JOB, EVERYONE!

[@folklaur]

Ashley Allensworth why did I read this in a John Oliver voice

[@mercedesb2299]

Congratulations. Now how did you do it? To regain voting rights in Arizona the sentencing judge must sign off on the request. My husband's conviction was more than 20 years ago and the judge retired the year after the trial.

[@ashleyallensworth5646]

I believe we signed a petition enough times to get it on the ballot! Then everyone voted in November!

[@jasminem3608]

And then DeSantis made sure to attach a poll tax to the amendment, which was denied in lower courts, and then passed in the Florida Supreme Court, by Trump appointed ultra conservative "judges" They didn't give a shit that 70% of the state agreed to this amendment - there was No Way they were giving all those minorites a chance to vote again. 😑

[@NerdyHippy]

"Do you go to church?" Seriously? If that's illegal to ask that at a job interview, it should be just as illegal in that situation.

[@m7xTV]

It sounds like something right out of Camus' "The Stranger"

[@KaijaSchmauss]

Agreed, and I'm a Christian. The Constitution says we are supposed to separate Church and State. So asking that question in court should be illegal due to being blatantly against the Constitution.

[@mindoverbread1213]

I would never be able to get my voting rights again if I am ever in that position. My answer to that question will always be GO FUCK YOURSELF. Thankfully I can vote and will be voting in November

[@qualityinn5063]

I question the validity of people posting they would tell a high ranking government official to go fuck themselves or quote government policy when this official is deciding to restore a foundational right

[@MorningAngel]

@Nate Pelz I understood that you didn't think it was appropriate. My only point was that church attendance should never been a yardstick to measure morality.

[@OranIsGone]

Is it not weird to anybody else that a Governor is responsible for deciding who can and cannot vote, especially when that decision is based on his own personal opinion.

[@stematart1327]

I mean- at least he's leaving .....for the senate

[@pocarisweet8336]

It is weird, should be illegal too. It should only be a judge doing these functions. When the black person ask him untill when he should wait, the governor answered the way an airline gives you a runaround when youre flights cancelled.

[@ThePanuccio]

Its america sounds right to me. Remember its the land of the free( if youre a middle age white dude with tons of cash and republican.)

[@mayadelaneys]

If he thinks they won't vote for him, he's not going to restore their rights.

[@TheUndeadslayer221]

Actually... America is the land of "Money = Privilege and Power". Skin color has nothing to do with it. edit: comment is old and inaccurate, due to statistics demonstrating that systemic racism exists and makes things (money = power is still partially correct).

[@acarbon-basedlifeform982]

The amendment just got passed

[@sedaratrotter2163]

A Carbon-Based Lifeform really? That’s amazing!

[@kensigurdson3757]

In Florida

[@rempuiafanai7103]

@@kensigurdson3757 Oof

[@kensigurdson3757]

@@rempuiafanai7103 ?

[@rebmcr]

That's gonna make 2020 real fuckin' interesting!

[@Eric-xt8nd]

My punishment was 5 years of my life in prison for growing marijuana. MARIJUANA FOR FUCK SAKE. I payed my debt with the time I served. I'm square with the house. Give me my rights.

[@ILovePancakes24]

Should not have been jailed for 3 years over a plant.

[@stanphillips7277]

5 years of your life for growing weed! In Florida? That's absolutely unconscionable. I've lived in Florida and seen marijuana growing in the wild out by the everglades. Someone left some seeds and there you go... it's a plant!! I'm sorry that happened to you and secondly your "crime" shouldn't carry the same punishment as a murderer when it comes to voting and getting back every single right afforded to you by the constitution!! It's got me angry! In the 60s there was a guy doing close to 20 years for possession of 2 joints. John Lennon of The Beatles wrote a song about the man and held a benefit concert for the guy (young guy too) and helped get him released! Nobody stand's up for anybody anymore. I grew some weed myself before but, I just had a couple of plants and a few lights in my room so nobody found out that I couldn't trust but, it could have been me numerous times when it comes to drugs. I think everything should just be legalized and let people really live in freedom. God bless you man 🙏

[@user-ek9vo2ub9b]

US Government Neckbeards: "Lol. Nope! 😂"

[@buchdrache1409]

I am not even american, and yet i knew the minute he said "just one state" that it was going to be Florida.

[@nebojsag.5871]

Not American either, expected it to be Mississipi.

[@filippobotteon1975]

Fuck my life, I bet on Texas.

[@JohnZ117]

Filippo Botteon I'm Texan, and I thought that as well.

[@ranelgallardo7031]

JohnZ117 Texas actually has way better felony disenfranchisement laws than Florida

[@sorayaimperial]

I'm not American and my first thought was Texas. When he mentioned that is was a gigantic screwup in many other things, that's when my mind shifted to Florida, as that's probably the state that he mocks the most.

[@sighcantthinkofaname]

Friendly reminder that Rick Scott is running for senator this year. So fellow floridans, PLEASE vote to keep that jerk out of our senate.

[@lorigoshert6667]

Yes! And make sure to vote for Andrew Gillum for governor!

[@smks8er]

I think its Floridians, fyi

[@suserman7775]

Rick Scott has my vote and that of all of my coworkers and friends. We're not idiots like you.

[@suserman7775]

De Santis has my vote. Andrew is Leftist crap.

[@Scrubjay457]

@@suserman7775 Who has your vote?

[@Rodrigo-ei4ht]

When that one guy said "people need to learn actions have consequences", my immediate thought was "yes and the consequences are imprisonment." They served their time. I thought prison was supposed to be about rehabilitation. It's like if you got put in time out at school, thought about what you did wrong, and after timeout you were told you could no longer use crayons, or something equally impactful, for the rest of your life.

[@lindstramiofficial614]

"do you go to church?" is this Salem?

[@jemiebridges3197]

Salem? Even the witches got a slightly more fair trial. If you saw a trial previously at least you now knew to hold your breath lolz.

[@2019inuyasha]

@@jemiebridges3197 if the person somehow survives being thrown in with rock tied to her, then she is a witch and has to be killed by fire. after the first few didn't live someone really should have said oh they just killed a none witch person...

[@sudoscience5084]

Is that even legal under the 1st amendment

[@sarahamira5732]

@@2019inuyasha that was in the European trials. Everyone in Salem was killed by hanging, except one badass dude who would have rather been crushed to death by rocks than Narc on his wife

[@jessetorres8738]

Wow, that "No taxation without representation" line was an impressive way of pointing out how big of an issue this!

[@graciie]

Agree what a great arguement it really stuck to me !

[@torben4741]

But how can Democrats shed light on this? Honestly, if they would make people aware of that issue, Republicans would simply claim that Democrats want MS13 members to vote for them. There are enough people who are gullible enough to swallow such a preposterous claim

[@stilllife8]

It's a great line, except that it's bullshit. Florida has representatives in the house and senate, therefore EVERYONE in Florida is represented. You can say that the disenfranchised former felons wouldn't have voted for the representatives that they have, but that would apply to half the voters in any election. The senators that I voted for didn't win, does that mean that I'm not being represented? Should I not be paying taxes because I don't like who my state put in the house of representatives? That line is a great tweet/soundbite, but it's not a valid argument.

[@nfzeta128]

+stilllife8 The obvious difference there is that you and others would at least have a chance to vote for your representation. That line is a much more valid argument than yours.

[@user-qm6lp2vh3k]

You should check out r/im 12 this is deep. You would fit right in

[@mikeyoung9810]

Politicians should not be the ones deciding if someone gets their voting rights back.

[@jasperzanovich2504]

Seems like a conflict of interest to me.

[@rhettcujo9006]

Makes sense, if you’re convicted by a jury. Then why not a jury decide if you’re citizen enough to vote? Once your time is served...

[@Charon85Onozuka]

Good point. Especially considering they blatantly say that there are no standards and they can do anything they want. I imagine that the black guy couldn't get his rights back despite doing everything right because the panel thought he wasn't likely to vote for them in the next election.

[@smks8er]

Seems to me like hypocrisy, criminals in suits telling petty thieves and people that smoked a joint once that they can't vote them out, ridiculous..

[@SomeRandomJackAss]

Sounds like a Gerrymandering situation: Politicians abusing their power and bending the rules to absurd lengths just to keep their power as long as possible, and trample over people who have nothing to do with any of it.

[@skitterree2490]

"Where do y'all go to church. Do you go to church?" "All due respect, sir, but that question is innapropriate: no branch of government and no government official have any authority or business regarding my personal spiritual beliefs or expression. You cannot deny my rights over where I go to church, how often, or if I go at all." Granted, 100% he would deny my petition outright for talking to him that way, but non-Christians are fucking citizens too and he needs to hear it.

[@MasterArchfiend]

The murderous otters aren't just a Florida thing. They are carnivores and they are very territorial. The ones from Florida just have the extra incentive of wanting to keep you away from their meth.

[@emersonawesome3778]

"I am refusing your civil rights" is one thing a person in power should NEVER EVER SAY.

[@WasThatC4]

So you believe that a felon who was selling drugs deserves a right to own a gun because after they've committed a crime which they're likely to reoffend they should be allowed to buy a gun legally

[@emersonawesome3778]

And you ESPECIALLY shouldn't say it WHEN YOU ARE A WHITE MAN TALKING TO A BLACK MAN

[@qualityinn5063]

@ P W - have you never heard the phrase of the pen being mightier than the sword?

[@MrLevigraz]

Yeah because wypipo should let blacks off easy because they have no autonomy and really, they know not what they do. GTFO of here with your racist bullshit Grant Shawkey

[@emersonawesome3778]

Levi Grazino ever heard of the CIVIL RIGHTS movement? When minority groups fought against having their CIVIL RIGHTS DENIED by white men?

[@vercingetorix2128]

I find it braindead that to legally gain your voting rights back you have to appear before a board that does not work with the legal system.

[@maryrosekent8223]

Casimir Guitars I would categorize it as soul crushing.

[@slavesforging5361]

right? why wouldn't it be within judiciary system? ie a judge, you know somebody whose job and training it is to understand criminology and justice? that is ludicrous. i understand that the boards members regular job is to create laws, but oddly enough you don't have to be trained in justice, criminology, or administration to hold that position. anybody can be elected to that job. can we get some actual judges making decisions? That would be notably better. of course, the people that would have to create that change are the people sitting on that board in the first place so...?

[@entertain7us148]

voting isn't a privilege, it's a right.

[@Chrismarzek]

It sounds like he's power hungry, and looked for a way to have power of individuals.

[@andromidius]

@@entertain7us148 Supposedly. In practice, though, it very much is a privilege. If you're poor or from a minority group you are much more likely to have your vote taken from you one way or another. Millions in the UK couldn't vote because of sneaky law changes shortly before recent elections.

[@MrDarkwing78]

From Australia, congratulations, Florida, on your midterm results, and on the chance this story had something to do with the results, well done John. Keep doing what you’re doing.

[@mandymoore5774]

“A TJ Max Janis Joplin”. CLASSIC!!!

[@elfsong713]

Why is it that felons are not allowed to vote, but the President of the US can commit a felony and get away with it?

[@MrGamma404]

You have to be convicted to have a felony.

[@rjonboy7608]

Because he has stolen enough to be in a different tax bracket, the All Breaks Plan.

[@mixmastermind]

He white af

[@dizzystill2276]

+mixmastermind you racist af

[@bhoskinson]

It's a plutocracy. The law applies only to the poor.

[@randomperson8571]

"Uh so why won't you allow me to vote even though I'm doing everything right?" "lol i just dun feel like it" the epitome of apathy and selfishness in American politics

[@Cryptonymicus]

Probably because most people don't commit crimes that land them in prison, so if you did then you are probably not a great example of what a citizen should be.

[@1995pieter]

And I think very stupid people should not be a great example of what a citizen should be. and yet here you are

[@toadwine7654]

Cryptonymicus its not so much about them being bad voters or not. Its important to show ex cons that they have a chance to return to a lawfull life. This will in turn lower the amount of ex cons that get convicted of more crimes later in life. Its easy to forget to see the bigger picture.

[@DissociatedWomenIncorporated]

Cryptonymicus, most democratic nations don't have a prison population anywhere near as high as America's, so America probably isn't a great example of a fair and sane judicial system.

[@toadwine7654]

FiniteAutomaton is the american mindset in someway hung up on its frontier heritage. You know: protect your property with your trusty shotgun. Live free . And kill and get revenge for any wrongdoing. The judicial system seems to be based more on revenge than justice and prudent thought

[@TheRayvolution]

A politician asking wether you attend church when church and state are separated? How does this work again?

[@ericmiller4803]

Separation of church and state means there is no state-sponsored church of theocracy. A person who regularly attends church are more likely to be a contributing member of their community. The zealots trying to eradicate every mention of God from any government Institution I've lost sight of the intention of the original

[@joaooctaviosouto4800]

@@ericmiller4803 A person who goes to church is NOT more likely to be a contributing member of their community. Most people use religion to masquerade their crimes, prejudice, racism and many other forms because of this empty idea that "religious people are good". If you do a quick research you're going to see the that biggest criminals in history were religious (with their religion defined by their country of birth, as it is the reason why you are most likely to be a christian in the US and a buddhist on Tibet).

[@ericmiller4803]

@@joaooctaviosouto4800 your personal bias doesn't change the fact that most people who are religious hold themselves to a higher standard. A religious person has a moral compass and no the worst criminals in history strictly anti-religious choosing instead to apply the state as a religion. Religious people get far more to charities invest more in the community and give more of their own personal time you can pick a few select out of any group religious or not I claimed that they represent the whole group that's just not true. Yes place your born is what you're toughening Factor of what religion you are but that doesn't change anything I never said one religion wholeheartedly better than the other but choosing to follow a moral compass makes you a better person overall then someone who refuses it

[@LestatandBerial]

eric miller religious people do not hold themselves to a higher standard, perfectly demonstrated by the fact they are just fine with Donald Trump, a man who looks at the 7 deadly sins as a to do list. Far to many religious people, especially those in positions of government power, use their religion to pretend to be superior to others

[@ericmiller4803]

@@LestatandBerial religious people by definition have a higher standard. They are the source of all morals and the foundation of the United States and western civilization. Reason they voted for Trump because the alternative was Hillary who checks every box of seeing that he does in addition to adding her own like murder and supporting rapist and child molesters in addition to being one herself. Without religion there is no moral compass there's no moral anyting

[@craxnor]

Weird how a republicans governor doesn’t want to give voting rights back to disenfranchised people. Almost as if he’s trying to make sure these people can’t vote him out.

[@thejimmydanly]

I'm from Texas, and I've been helping people register to vote as a part of a petition drive in my city. Texas is actually one of the states that automatically grants voting rights back to felons after their time serving is completed. So many people I've talked to had no idea they could ever vote because they assumed their voting rights were gone forever due to past felonies. I know people in their 60s and older who were convicted of felonies when they were teens who just recently learned they are actually eligible to register to vote.

[@Dorian_sapiens]

You're doing such important work. Thank you.

[@bibibernardi1570]

I'm surprised

[@breakupgoogle]

should they get their other rights back like their 2nd amendment rights?

[@thejimmydanly]

@@breakupgoogle I believe they should. Or, rather, since the second amendment is a natural right, it can't be granted, as government doesn't grant natural rights, only defends or infringes on rights. Thus, I believe the right to defend shouldn't ever be infringed.

[@831mrscardoso]

As a fellow American I thank you for doing your part in helping to register people to vote. I thought that the states would automatically allow ex felons to vote. Funny how they don't tell these people after they get out if they can vote or not. They have to find out when they send them to court for voter fraud charges. Maybe the people of these states should do a regular check in with these ex felons to see if they can help get them registered again.

[@avengermkii7872]

I love how Rick Scott denies a man the right to vote after commending him for his drug rehabilitation program. People like Rick Scott are a joke.

[@AxezCore]

He could at least have told him what he needed to do to get the rights back... be white, rich and make large campaign donations.

[@101perspective]

Denying that guy actually makes sense if you think about it. From Scott's perspective, that man is a threat. Not because he is black, but because he is trying to not only set a good example for blacks but even helping other blacks to get off drugs and possibly stay out of prison. That in turn means more blacks voting. It also makes it harder for him and other republicans to use race baiting, fear mongering, etc, to scare their base into voting certain ways.

[@DemontauruSes]

Fuck Rick Scott

[@imalimabeanyay]

What a rascist pos. Literally feel like going on his social media and spamming him with the fact that he's racist and we already have enough racists in positions of power. Someone needs to make a melanin booster to give to racist white people so that they can experience what it means to live as a skin color and not a person.

[@Agnessa92]

I was just amazed by how calm the man was after hearing this bulshit explanation...

[@user-gv4bf4zx2s]

“I’m just not feeling it”... That hearing board video alone could be an effective political ad against Scott.

[@FurEngel]

When you allow a government to take away someones "right", neither you nor them will have "rights", as you have allowed your government to change the legal definition of a "right" to a "privilege".

[@dorpth]

There has not been a single person who has used that "it's not a right, it's a privilege!" line who hasn't been a totalitarian piece of shit.

[@mistakencrown4858]

Anyone who uses that "it's not a right, it's a privilage" is totalitarian sack of shit, shat out by a methed up alligator and then left in the summer Florida heat alongside a bag of drowned kittens. ...how's that? 😃

[@nicholascecil6733]

@@mistakencrown4858 honestly curious, do you think felons should be allowed to own firearms? Since the 2nd amendment gives the "right" to bear arms?

[@mistakencrown4858]

@@nicholascecil6733 what does it matter what I believe? Someone asked for a sentence to be rewritten so I rewrote it. 😁

[@mistakencrown4858]

@@nicholascecil6733 but since you ask... No, I don't believe felons should own firearms. But I also feel the 2nd amendment is antiquated and highly misinterpreted so we should toss it anyway. 😂🤣

[@dustin1088]

So I'm from Florida. I have a story about Rick Scott that has nothing to do with this. I will be casting a vote for changing this idiotic law. I'm on deployment now as part of a Florida National Guard field artillery unit. Before we left Rick Scott came to shake all of our hands. It seemed nice of Governor Skeletor to do... except when you remember that it's an election year, and that he did it during a point where we were supposed to be spending time with our families before we left. We were annoyed but took it for what it was. He went around shook everyone's hands, made some small comment, then got to me. Skeletor: *tries to pronounce my name and fails* Me: *Corrects him* Skeletor: That's an interesting last name, where's it from? Me: It's Japanese, it's my husband's Skeletor: *Upon realizing I'm gay gets extremely flustered and walks on It was the most hilarious way to start this deployment, and brightened an otherwise depressing day. Still on this deployment and it's talked about by my battle buddies to lighten our moods.

[@RIXRADvidz]

nice shot! bet you hit deep, deep in his closet filled with underage boys and cocaine.

[@borntobewilde]

Thank you for your service! Reading your comment really brightened my day!! I'm a Navy dependant (dad has been in for a little over 27 years) who JUST moved out of FL to MA and, while I'm glad to be out, moving to my own apartment and dealing with all the things that come with a move like this (changing license, registration, banks since there's no NFCU up here, Comcast draining my savings since I need internet and they're the only provider, movers forgetting the date and leaving me without my goods for 2 weeks, etc.) has been stressful. But reading about a fellow gay having this interaction with Skeletor was wonderfully hilarious and exactly what I needed. Small bonus story: My mom is Japanese, and she dealt with so much racist bullshit in FL. I need specialty medical care when certain things happen with my medical condition (I've been seeing my specialists in Boston for 17 years), and when she tried to go talk with Tricare about me needing to fly to MA during a medical emergency, they brushed her off and let me sit to deteriorate in agony for 6 days. Then, my tall, white, uniformed father walked in, told them the same story she had been telling them, and they made it happen right away. TL;DR: It was nice to read about a fellow gay serving my country, and the fact that your Japanese husband's surname revealed your identity and made our pasty skeleton of a Governor uncomfortable is glorious.

[@DarthBagel]

Thank you for your service. I always thought the military hated gays, with the dont ask dont tell.

[@dustin1088]

Zesty Boy nah no hate for the gays. I mean there’s always those couple of people here and there but that can be said about anything. There’s people from all over America in the Service so you’ll be surprised by how vastly different some people think based on their upbringing. I’ve had some incidents of homophobia here and there but largely people support me. Especially people within my unit.

[@dustin1088]

Kenzie G I’m glad I could brighten your day 👍🏻

[@darickf]

"There's no standards. So we can make any decision we want." Sounds perfectly fair to me ... assuming you live in a totalitarian dictatorship where human rights have been declared illegal. Btw ... asking if you go to church is a blatant violaion of the first amendment which gives you the right to choose any religion you like including none at all.

[@PatynrgNa]

tro m

[@21coute]

Yes, I consider myself religious but that guy is an asshat. Going to church should have nothing to do with whether or not you can vote.

[@realshaoran4514]

you're right, but many republicans (specially hardcore right wingers) understand the freedom of religion of the 1 amendment as their freedom to discriminate against everybody who doesn't shared their religion, as he is demonstrating in the clips.

[@khm8910]

Which in turn is the reason why republicans are so focused on "christian refugees"

[@StrazdasLT]

human rights are also standards we have defined ourselves you know.

[@stevenvail2564]

You Sir. Mr. Oliver. You are both a Patriot and a Gentlemen.

[@morgancarmichael2386]

"and the worst state of all concerning this, and arguably everything else, is Florida." I support this message as a Floridian

[@trife2]

as a Dutch person this seem baffling, here you can not be punished for the same crime ever. You did your sentence its done, over. I get the feeling that in the US "ex-felons" aren't considered fully human, it makes me sick.

[@aaronbrandon2321]

basically the criteria is are you a white god fearing republician? not all three? oh im sorry your not actually a person then

[@scaper8]

"I get the feeling that in the US 'ex-felons' aren't considered fully human" That is sadly the way many feel. A criminal conviction is a perfectly legal and common reason to reject people for things like a job (even a low-pay menial job) or an apartment lease. So basically, it is not hard to be in a position where you committed one crime and have fully "paid your debt to society" but can't get a job or a place to live. And people wonder why so many convicted felons go back to crime?

[@mikedrynan4937]

Well if black people stopped getting felonies they could vote. WOW

[@SteelBollocks]

it's not just ex criminals. it's both sides of crime. people want to look down on others so they can say "at least I'm not them" its why we say innocent until proven but the moment a finger is pointed we run with it and assume it's all true even if it's proven otherwise later on

[@Charon85Onozuka]

As a US citizen, I can confirm that ex-felons are not considered fully human here (nor are they considered fully human in prison considering the current state of things). After leaving prison, you cannot vote, own firearms, or be applicable for most jobs. The last one is probably the most concerning, as every job application by default asks about your criminal record regardless of position. I'd wonder how any ex-felons actually manage to get a job to support themselves, but considering the majority end up going back to prison, I expect the answer is that they can't.

[@CasualVader]

This panel sounds super illegal to me.

[@irllcd13]

It should be illegal, but it *is* Florida. Whenever you heard about something really, really stupid, insane or horrible, chances are it's one of three states: Florida, Texas or Arizona. You really can't go wrong assuming it's one of those three. You won't be right every time, but you'll be right more often than you're wrong.

[@kumoyuki]

TBH, I couldn't help but think: WHERE IS THE AC-FUCKING-LU!??!

[@Carahan]

@kumoyuki One thing Jon Oliver could have mentioned is that it *has* been declared illegal to have an arbitrary process. www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2018/02/02/floridas-ban-on-ex-felons-voting-is-unconstitutional-and-biased-federal-judge-rules/ But, of course, Florida is appealing, and has won their injunction to not have to formulate new rules while the appeals are ongoing, which will take well over a year.

[@catherineelmore2004]

Actually...it is illegal. There's already been a court case that has come out and said flat out This is unconstitutional, which I believe is what lead to the recommended change that's on the ballot for November.

[@bradleybrown8399]

CasualVader in other words, Republicans

[@NatalioM95]

We are happy to say that Amendment 4 passed last night.

[@stephenwright8824]

21st Amendment. Yes, beer is back, but only at a diminished alcohol content. Scott is going to (if he hasn't already) gut the rest of it before he leaves office/gets convicted himself, Palmetto Pontius Pilate that he is.

[@millieo7155]

I wonder what color skin gets the most restoration of civil rights.

[@jy3n2]

There's been a study on that. Three guesses, and the first two don't count.

[@wolf1066]

Do you seriously really need to ask that? Or was the question purely rhetorical and trading on everyone over the age of 3 knowing the answer?

[@Radicalbeast]

@夜神月 You can't tell Jesus what to do. He does what he wants!

[@ashyslashy22]

Michael Robins 1.) EXCELLENT grammar right there bud. 2.) WHAT?

[@majikss]

@Michael Robins fuck you you racist piece of shit

[@Nazenko]

It seems wildly unconstitutional to have that "court" approve or deny voting rights based on feelings. The same people that always say "facts don't care about your feelings." Yikes.

[@mariannagordon8201]

Big difference between "facts" and "truth". Facts can be very misleading. And often do.

[@mr.flibble3190]

Truer words were never spoken by someone with no zarking clue what she's blathering about.

[@Nazenko]

Marianna Gordon That’s just how the fact is presented then, nothing to do with the fact itself. You could do the same with a “truth.”

[@Nazenko]

Erik Filean ?...

[@qualityinn5063]

Would you apply the same logic into felons getting firearms rights restored?

[@LloydWaldo]

The governor of a state places himself at the head of a kangaroo court and openly proclaims his judgements to be outside the rule of law. That’s America in 2018.

[@360.Tapestry]

the court of "i arbitrarily do what i want here" to get my rocks off

[@AltoidJTP]

Disgusting, isn't it. VOTE VOTE VOTE

[@MakeVarahHappen]

Well, it's been that way since 2011 at least, so it's not a new thing.

[@csrmar13]

I cant believe this shit is actually real

[@technoraver99]

bored? ..anyone? you can find on amazon: teaching books (paramedic), emergency cases, bags, all kind of equipment. time 2 learn first aid measures + emergency medical services. good jobs 4 kids: youth firefighter program. junior firefighter training activities. junior program ems ! giveaways? sponsoring + support? (4 friends, employees, customers etc.) first aid or medic courses, medical literature, + psychological first aid, equipment? (one way keyring resuscitation masks, pocket masks, AED, nitrile gloves (hygienics, diseases, protection), ambu bags?, CPR simulators ? stifnecks ?, diagnostic lamps, pulse oximeters, stab protection vest, cs gas defense spray, bulletproof vest, seatbelt cutter etc.) smoke detectors? carbon monoxide detectors? fire blanket, structural fire prevention? fire suppression systems? + installation? instructions? infrared sight 4 lifeguards, firefighters or first responders? 3 amazing tools: portable hydraulic strongarm 4 firefighters etc, hands free thermal vision (in mask imaging system), in mask heat vision (temperature display etc) there are more amazing tools! fire extinguishers 4 everyone? every home? (+ child safety device!) + fireproof clothing? + cap, gloves, safety glasses etc (note: there are different types of fire extinguishers and application fields! powder, foam, water etc) become a paramedic instructor in future? firefighter? + pump operator (+ driver) ? high angle rescuer? ambulance driver or nurse? surgery nurse? geriatric nurse? ambulatory care? (+ specializations? in several areas? wound care management, hygienics, instructor, first aid etc) midwife? or dental assistant ? shuttle service? (disabled people, seniors, wheelchair user) towing service or animal protection ? at least support animal welfare organizations? sponsorships?? (animal aid unlimited org, hsi org, sea shepherd org) animal shelters in your area need money 4 food, maintenance work, expansion, staff, new vehicles, security staff, etc. trips? beach trips? parks? poor dogs :( (create new jobs? build new sanctuaries?) or go vegan ? potato, zucchini, paprika, cucumber, tomato, rice, fries, ketchup, baked bread etc? hey its animal friendly :) support a protectory? orphanage ? (money 4 disneyland trips or playstation 4?, parking problems? smart parking solution com think about the environment. in your city. seriously easy jobs? clean-up operations? bushes, parks, streets, lakes?, harbors?, seas?, coasts?, oceans? (you can use hand nets, nitrile gloves. self protection!) (maybe... leave a slice of toast bread? in the shrubs? or on a grass area? for birds. they love it :) or maybe visit a diving school? become a diver? 4 mother nature ... (the plastic trash that floats in the world's oceans actually decompose and release potentially toxic substances into the water) , , ,,,

[@viggosimonsen]

Rick Scott at Heavens Gate: You can sort of imagine the dialogue..... "This is a board of Mercy; there are no rules - only My mercy" ........ "Did you go to church?" .........

[@user-ek9vo2ub9b]

God: *smiles* *sends Rick Scott to Tartarus*

[@dmakk767]

real answer - "it is based on skin color, you will wait a lifetime'

[@wolftitanreading5308]

Way i saw it

[@yurabeech5268]

Absolutely

[@jonathanrodriguez4666]

As a Floridian, I already thought I had plenty of reasons to want Rick Scott out. I couldn’t have imagined it could get worse. Thank you John for enlightening and depressing me!

[@HabiburIHaveSeenItAll]

Shut up you idiot. Good we need less voters, because most of you are morons on many subjects. Obama didn't save or satisfied you morons for the last 8 years of doubling the national debt more than all presidents combined before him, slowest economic recovery since the Great Depression, ISIS and so on of many failures. But Trump's policies on taxes, foreign policies, and immigration are very good so far.

[@noanoxan]

Go fuck yourself, you inbred "conservative" piece of shit Fascist. Putin's Codpiece will be shown for what he is, and you snowflakes will finally evaporate under the sunshine of justice. Just wait.

[@dr.r.goaton9360]

@Habibur IHaveSeenItAll your literally just are copying and pasting your comment on other comments

[@FireSeraph007]

@@HabiburIHaveSeenItAll Wow. This is the first time I'm seeing an American advocating for less democracy. Welcome to communism, comrade.

[@Anacronian]

Jesus Christ - guys the goat walking OP just made a statement about his state.

[@camrnjurena]

My brother is a felon and he's done right with his life since he served his time. We also live in FL, please everyone in Florida vote the right way on this, and show up to the ballot.

[@WayneJohnsonZastil]

Great served his time but no way has he earned any right to vote

[@Swnsasy]

I'm in Florida, you're absolutely right! They have to do everything else the same but, can't vote? It should be the right of every citizen period!!

[@leojd3409]

Care to explain why a felon who has served his sentence hasn't actually paid his debt to society? That's what a prison sentence is, numbnuts. You don't "earn" the right to vote. It's a RIGHT.

[@spacedragon8929]

So you know some states outlaw felons. Now think about the state, I think it's Alabama or Georgia, which is now trying to make abortion a felony. In other words, I am indescribably pissed.

[@zdv3119]

Jeh outlaw felons is stupid . Making abortion a felony is a good thing. 2 diffrent things

[@happythedog11]

zdv311 how is making abortion a felon good? It’s the woman’s choice

[@Monicaerikarita]

Alabama, my home state, where women’s bodies are policed by men and babies are born into conditions they didn’t ask for and that aren’t rectified by the state. Where women may be forced to risk THEIR lives for a pregnancy they didn’t want. The underlying problem is that these same men face no consequences for having sex, but we can face dangerous pregnancies and the lifetime commitment to a child or the emotional toll of giving one up. Some states are justifying what is essentially a ban by using 6 weeks. VERY FEW women would know they are pregnant at 6 weeks. That’s a ban, they just don’t want to call it that. My state passed their law in anticipation of the almost certain overturn of roe b wade as were now seeing. I’ve also taught pregnant 12 year olds. We suspected one was impregnated by a family member but can only report it. Either way, it does not matter. Unless the father is also 12 years old, it’s illegal or at the least morally repugnant . She has no choice anyway, because her family has to give permission for an abortion or even adoption. I know one was forced to keep the baby because her family said “we don’t give up blood”. She did not want to be a mother. She eventually dropped out and has fortunately been able to get her GED, but that child (the baby, as child applies to the mother as well) has been shuffled through a million family member’s homes with no stability. She is now old enough to want to do right by the child but is facing custody issues. It’s all ducked up.

[@annagilsdorf1289]

Congrats to everyone in Florida who now gets to vote!!

[@mykameakulpa]

The generalizations of felons is disabling rather than aiding the rehabilitation of people who have committed crimes. This is a cycle of disenfranchisement and dehumanization.

[@Spacetesla]

The governor sure seems to be living his dream as a feudal Lord

[@PappyMandarine]

So funny

[@user-ek9vo2ub9b]

Rick Scott: "That's true and all. However, do you go to church?"

[@sramoore0075187]

Update: Florida passed a law for people with felonies getting their voting rights back! I like to think this show had something to do with that.

[@300IQPrower]

Mitch defending something is the quickest way to learn it’s bad

[@alexkmz]

I worked in the 2016 election as an intern with the Virginia Democrats. All that summer, our previous governor tried to push for a restoration of rights law, and when the VA House refused to hear it, he wrote individual clemency letters for more than 10,000 non-violent felons. We were able to register a lot of them to vote in my area before the House shut him down. The worst part is that when this law was introduced a long long time ago, our then governor specifically said that it was to stop black Virginians from voting. It was specifically a Jim Crow law. VA’s House is now largely blue after our last election, so hopefully this can change.

[@LambieSamba]

Holy Shit!

[@kirkforthewin]

man that's a lot of letters, I would have just gone on TV, and said "All non-violent felony convicted Virginia residents, if you've served your time, I am here by pardoning you of your crime, and re-instating your right to vote effective immediately."

[@alexkmz]

Dr. Whet Faartz if only that could be official 😂 there was an online database where people could look up their SSN and find out if they were granted clemency so they didn’t have to wait for an official letter.

[@vagabondwastrel2361]

Sorry but that is fucked up. If you get a felony on your record odds are that was pled down from a greater charge yet it was still enough to revoke your right to vote. I don't think you should get that right back unless there are some very extreme circumstances behind the conviction. Then you have the point where Democrats tend to not enforce laws equally because they just love to discriminate people on race and bank account. I hope he wasn't reelected because the subverted the concept of the voting process and representation. Ironic that he was doing so by giving that right to people who couldn't be trusted by society.

[@andyhall9069]

Vagabond Wastrel yes, you are sorry...

[@Deredeo]

wtaf...he's running a rehab ctr, been clean for almost 10 yrs and is NOT recognized as reformed and worthy of having his civil right to vote restored? wtht is this ridiculousness...

[@TheToric]

Aaron Brockington its because rick thinks he is likely to vote democratic.

[@lolrandom3768]

TheToric so what, he can vote anybody. it's that man's basic right. this is so wrong.

[@mindoverbread1213]

Rick just didn't feel it that day. I swear I just want to punch that fucker in the face

[@lolasmusings]

@yaggyplantationproductions treatment centers/rehabs often hire staff that are former addicts because who would better understand what someone is dealing with when they have an addiction? AA is composed of alcoholics both former and current. Someone with addiction doesn't want to hear someone who's never been there tell them what to do. So that man is doing exactly what he should... Helping others with addiction.

[@retheisen]

That is part of the "punishment" half of crime and punishment. The people of the state of Florida still generally feel that a willful disregard of our societal norms kinda precludes you from ever getting to have a significant say in what those societal norms are. You disregarded them once. Fine. We understand. We understand enough to know not to let you set the rules. You won't follow them.

[@MCkeetch]

Rick Scott is literally a living Skeletor, but twice as evil. Florida, I feel sorry for you...

[@heatherrockwell9012]

11:12 The speed of that transition is eye-blinkingly impressive

[@solokom]

this makes me sick to my stomach. as a European I don't get it why US citizens are not on the street to demonstrate ALL the time. they have reasons enough! maybe it's because they have no time to fill democracy with life while working three jobs.

[@Nalahmad1]

It's systematic and calculated, no room for errors.

[@sherrish_]

Accurate comment is accurate

[@anshnoorkaur5994]

"Formerly nice countries" aka colonisers, and the countries are "third world" because they were invaded, stolen from and systematically abused for years. You're racist and nothing more.

[@anshnoorkaur5994]

Listen up, kid. First of all, I'm an Indian and live in India.I have no idea where you made that assumption from. Secondly, I dont expect "free shit" from anyone nor do I want any. Thirdly, you're the book definition of a racist and a narcissist and are just stupid if you actually believe what you are saying. "White country"? Dont even get me started on that.

[@costastsamis6706]

Yeah...ask the Indians how they felt when they let the first worlders visit their country.

[@minoliti]

Rick Scott failed Florida during Hurricane Irma: -He didn't answer crucial calls to his cell phone from Hollywood Hills nursing home -Without power, 12 patients died -Scott then deleted the voicemails from nursing home -Scott blames the nursing home

[@Spiderific]

I'm not a religious person by any means, but that man is evil to the core.

[@Siafk]

How can he be in power? This means people of Florida want evil persons to be in power, so they can do evil things! AND THEN YOU ALL SAY FUCK OFF WHEN WE BLAME AMERICA FOR BEING A FUCKING SHITHOLE?

[@torakokoneko]

this entire clip is about one of the many ways the people in power here keep certain populations from voting. the fucking irony.

[@torakokoneko]

not to mention how much republicans gerrymander districts

[@Techaktien]

When do they fire him already?

[@mnschoen]

"There are no standards" is particularly hilarious at this particular point in history.

[@usgator]

You should cover this again with all the shenanigans the legislature did after that ballot initiative passed with 64%.

[@DorvellTStewart]

Yeah… They effectively rendered it moot by requiring those who were formally incarcerated pay huge restitution fees they knew most of them would be unable to pay I guess the will of the people only matters if it's something the state legislature agrees with.

[@LesterDiaz]

👍 As someone who lives in Florida I can confirm the shit that happens here daily is completely nuts.

[@tcu1099]

Lester Diaz I'll pray for you, buddy. I literally make jokes at Florida's expense on the regs.

[@stevenlannister184]

As someone who's never been to Florida, I can also confirm that. :P

[@Frost_Lily]

As someone else who lives in florida, I can confirm it is that crazy down here xD

[@wunizhim]

Go to Chicago Illinois, I mean shitcogo, Illdanoise. Nuff said.

[@tcu1099]

Anyone else pray for Florida to just fall into the ocean every hurricane? Everyone can have a week's notice to flee, but the evil must go away!

[@DCice13]

My father is considered a felon because he punched a man who beats his mother. That was in the 80s. It was his only offense and he is unable to get it removed/changes to a misdemeanor as the courts no long have record of it. Police also can not see the charge, it only come back after a full background check. But the check just says felon with on name for the charge. (assault is considered a Misdemeanor in our state now)

[@askmemum]

Darkking Ice wow that is so fucksd

[@elliotw4606]

Damn dude. You should try suing though for loss of records. They need to be responsible for making sure proper info is kept accessible.

[@corners3755]

he should challenge it when the background check comes back. It has to be coming from somewhere, the info.I bet your dad could beat them at the background check.

[@Victoria-ry9dd]

The amendment passed and I voted for it!!!!

[@ScrotumWizard]

Victoria Gonzalez cool

[@LSSYLondon]

And then they changed the law again... www.propublica.org/article/in-florida-the-gutting-of-a-landmark-law-leaves-few-felons-likely-to-vote

[@stephenwright8824]

@@LSSYLondon Of course they did, The Little Father, the Orange Capo, Donald John Trump was watching and you don't defy the unspoken Commandment of the New Jesus: _Thou shalt have no other criminals voting _*_besides_*_ me._

[@belindalewis2227]

THANK YOU! John Oliver for casting a light on this injustice by Governor Rick Scott. Your show recieved a lot of publicity and achieved what the courts in Florida could not. I hope you realize the magnitude and difference it will make in the future for Florida. THANKS also to the number of news papers and news channels (CNN) for carrying your message further. ....AND to Rick Scott I say....you sir should be afraid, very afraid...over one million voters will not forget what you did.

[@belindalewis2227]

Oh yeah, thanks to all the Floridian Voters who passed the law giving Felons their voice back

[@thetrustysidekick3013]

For a nation obsessed with rights and all that, the US is surprisingly okay with taking away those rights from felons. The consequences for criminals is they're in jail, why does taking away the right to vote have to be added to that? How many countries do this, by the way? Take away a person's right to vote due to a felony?

[@alexlawson4173]

Idk dude but part of me is totally ashamed to be an American with all the reasons everyone hates us.

[@jaclpz]

Not even the third world countries do that.

[@acadict.1955]

Lots of things stick with you after prison. Hackers can be banned from using computers, pedophiles banned from going near daycares and schools, frausters banned from working at financial institutions...etc. Do you disagree with those things?

[@Chris1111116]

In Europe you‘re able to vote out of prison... says a lot about America in my opinion...

[@Chris1111116]

Acadic T. Hackers banned from computers - definitely yes! You can’t take away the option of being able to inform yourself on the internet! (Also communication is mostly done on it as well)

[@monsterfurby]

German prisons actively encourage and enable people to vote (only way to get disenfranchised is treason and electoral fraud, apparently, and those sanctions are always time-limited). In my opinion, that's the right way to go about it. Voting gives people a stake in the society they live in. It makes them consider the kind of country they want to see. And being at the mercy of the state to a particularly high degree makes it even more important for those imprisoned to be able to vote.

[@Johnnymushio]

4 8 15 16 23 42

[@yojelle1]

We do the same in the netherlands. In our last election there were only 56 people who weren’t allowed to vote because of their crimes

[@MrDecessus]

Americans love to hate.

[@karollichwinski9545]

But what if... all the criminals elect a criminal for a politician!?!!?!? Oh shit, that happened in USA, where they thought it was a good enough reason to strip millions of their constitutional rights. Oh the joys of the #1 free murica

[@rai4119]

Holy shot. That's amazing

[@conundrum60690]

Florida voter here, voting in favor of this amendment.

[@BirdGang6]

“Are their no consequences for actions, they broke the law” You mean like that prison sentence they just served for said crime??

[@Raqueltl2017]

The more I get to know American politics, the more I wonder why people think the US is an example.

[@tryhard2ans322]

There are people thinking the US' politics is a positive example ? I thought that was an American made idea, as a French I cannot conceive that.

[@ShashwatPanda]

Same feelings here.. same sense of wonder too..

[@xxxdumbwordstupidnumberxxx4844]

Matthew Conway I presume a French guy surrendering. Now just check that off the list of countries to make jokes about and... done.

[@cosmo8771]

It was, but the Republican party has lost its spine.

[@TheBayzent]

Because the people saying it know American politics plus non-American politics. And as a non American, trust me, things are WAY worse out here.

[@queenjammin5734]

I have a feeling Rick Scott's decision making isn't very complex for who gets to vote again. One might even say it's only skin deep.

[@yohei72]

I was thinking the same thing. I'm a little disappointed Oliver didn't highlight that obvious aspect more.

[@AZOffRoadster]

A black and white decision.

[@volcryndarkstar3283]

Come on man, not everything is black and white. Especially red states.

[@Sgtd-hk2sz]

10% of a population being felons deserves its own show

[@natalie_kendel]

Yes, yes yes! This is a much needed point! Very good.

[@maxmarks3503]

In The Netherlands inmates can vote in prison. Voting rights only get taken away when your crime was of a specific political nature (which rarely is the case).

[@Vohlfied]

Max Marks Wait, so in the Netherlands.....the punishment fits the crime?

[@noahbobrow]

So you’re telling me people in the Netherlands don’t get executed for smoking one marijuana cigarette? What a backwards society, smh

[@3gunslingers]

Same thing in Germany. Inmates can vote -are- and are actually encouraged to do so.

[@Dear_Mr._Isaiah_Deringer]

The GOP would be utmost upset. Such law is more than obviously an attempt to disadvantage them.

[@maxmarks3503]

Elan Morin Tedronai Exactly. But in England, convicts are not allowed to vote while serving their sentence. This stems from the idea that when someone is in prison, he or she is temporarily but entirely removed from society and therefore shouldn't be allowed to engage in election. There is some logic in that reasoning as well. In America though, much of the policy seems to just be based on the whims of whoever's in charge at a given moment. All of it seems so arbitrary.

[@eljoel89]

I just can't figure out why Rick Scott wouldn't give that man his voting rights back after he'd served his time, cleaned his life up, and started an organization that helps other former convicts get support. Oh, wait. He's black.

[@rishabhanand4973]

i think its more that the guy is unlikely to vote republican

[@zoch9797]

eljoel89 It’s always about skin color with you people, isn’t it? Is that all you see in people, the color of their skin? It couldn’t possibly because Rick Scott is A.) just a colossal asshole, or B.) that he’s Theist-centric (and therefore not separating church and state), or even C.) that he just believes no felon should ever have the right to vote (an incorrect belief, imo). No, you only ever see race. Personally, I think its option C.)

[@scaper8]

@@zoch9797 Why can't it be all four options. (Although, I suppose being a colossal asshole does cover the other points too….)

[@themanmachine125]

@Zoch if you think race has nothing to do with this, you're either an idiot or you're deeply unfamiliar with how politics and power work in America. it's that simple really

[@z-beeblebrox]

It's like Get Out. It's not actually meant to be a race thing, just a power thing. But...it ends up being a race thing anyway.

[@Lazzie_the_Psilocybe_Deity]

"TJ Max Janis Joplin" John Oliver how I love thee 😂😭

[@sethhorras8519]

Wow he makes me laugh every time. John Oliver is a national treasure.

[@baegleboy123]

this has me fucked up. I wasn't a fan of felons having their rights taken away for life but I had no idea it was this fucked.

[@choreboy988]

Samuel Lucas This is a cherry-picked example. Florida has always been a dumpster fire of politics and unfair laws. There’s a reason why they picked that state to focus on. Florida is DEFINITELY not representative of the rest of the country in any way. Florida is a shithole state.

[@baegleboy123]

@@choreboy988 if florida were operating on laws that werent pertinent in any other state i would agree.

[@ziqi92]

There are few things as worse as a politician with a God complex.

[@wingedbluj1674]

Pedophilic plane hijacking terrorists?

[@stephenwright8824]

@@wingedbluj1674 No, Zoomers who think they know how to spell.

[@josiahls4859]

I've never watched something make me feel so gross as watching Rick Scott explain his process then deny voting rights. Wtf

[@cynacist1823]

11:16 that transition made my goddamn day. I've missed you, you glorious bastard : and I've missed all the fine individuals who work with you. I've missed you all so fucking much. Damn it all to heck, don't leave us again, Oliver. The end times are nigh and we request our final giggles, goddamnit.

[@brandonohara9275]

I want to legitimately beg all Floridians not to vote for Scott for Senate. Please don't do that to our state. Please.

[@ErinFlotoDesigns]

As a person born and raised in Florida, I approve this message. I also approve of Floridians getting the hell out like I did 👍🏼

[@CRASDFGH]

Yeah, but where do you go to church?

[@boogerpresley1366]

Do you go to church?

[@catsantos353]

Y’all in FL Walmart is like a fuckin church....!!! 🙌🏽🖕🏽🙏🏽

[@biohazardlnfS]

Nah bruh weird ass Floridians need to stay their

[@antbrose]

Florida Expats unite!

[@martinstent5339]

To show how far the USA and Europe have drifted apart in terms of basic human rights: All European Prisoners can (or at least should be able to) vote while still in prison. There was a case recently where the UK had to pay a fine and apply for special dispensation because British prisoners were not allowed to vote from prison. Basically because there is no postal vote in the UK and it was too difficult to set up voting booths in prisons. If you are running a democracy you want everyone in your society to vote regardless of who they are. Even catholic priests can vote!

[@totsmini3105]

John Oliver - NEVER leave our Screens!!! - You are My Sunshine 👍 ..... Great Entertainment!!!!

[@LPyourplay]

Just do what we do here in the Netherlands and let felons who are currently in prison vote unless they had their voting rights revoked as a separate (and highly unusual) punishment. The punishment for their crime is the fact that they are in prison, having basic rights such as voting in an election revoked should be an extremely rare occurrence. And before anyone asks. no, prisoners are not allowed to leave their prison to go to the polling station (unless they have day release), they have to let someone they choose vote in their name.

[@sorayaimperial]

I'm curious, do you know of any instance where that exceptional punishment has been used? What was the context? I mean, other than electoral fraud, mental illness or others, the fact is that a murderer (to me) is still fit to vote. Maybe some extremist right or left wing that has done national terrorism? Crimes committed in the name of anarchy?

[@primeoetzand]

Soraya Imperial Basically you have to be a threat to the democracy of the nation or to the nation itself, for example voting fraud, or terrorism. In practice this punishment has almost never been used and the last case it was used, to my knowledge, was years ago.

[@LPyourplay]

It would usually be things like fighting for terrorist organizations or people who tried to violently overthrow the government. I couldn't find an article about a single instance where someone had their voting rights revoked but I can tell you how many people have their voting rights revoked, that number is 56 as of 2016 according to Statistics Netherlands

[@nicbarrax76]

So, I've just volunteered in the elections here in Sweden. Here, EVERYONE aged 18 and up are eligible to vote. EVERYONE. If you can't come to the voting stations because of whatever, we send a mobile voting booth to you! You're incarcerated? No worries, post your vote! You're too sick? Send a courier! THAT is democracy. Oh, we also hold elections on Sundays so that most people can vote. Those who can't on the day, can do it beforehand since we have pre-voting a few weeks ahead of the election. The voting locations are many and close to each other, because you shouldn't have to take a car just to vote. So, wtf is the problem, USA, so called land of the free?!?

[@josephperez2004]

As with many things it access, and I fear there are many laws that restrict access specifically because certain people in power thing a certain class of people should not be able to vote. I hear all these stories about how voting works in Europe and it often blows me away how much money and effort the government puts out to get actual feed back from the people. Where I live? I often need to make the choice of either losing a day's pay or voting when elections come up because of where the voting station is located and the limited window of time it is open.

[@idontwantcorporateretaliat6301]

Money in politics....they make it a goal to keep people uneducated, and everything devolves from there. Don't let it happen in Sweden.

[@jackdenihan5333]

So what ur population compared to 350 million +, 9.903 million bitch you fit in our smallest states

[@christianpetersen163]

In Sweden, there is a ballot for each party, that are given to voters outside the voting booth, so everyone can see who you're voting for. What do you say to that? In Sweden, state television a couple of nights ago in a debate denounced a statement by the leader of Sweden Democrats when he questioned whether muslim immigrants are inherently too difficult to integrate. What do you think about that? In Sweden, the right wing has been censored on TV and excluded from politics for decades while authorities have been barred from recording statistics about the ethnicity of criminals. What do you think about hiding key statistics and oppositional voices in a democracy? Last night, I came to the conclusion that Swedens democracy is inferior in too many ways that matter.

[@nicbarrax76]

Christian Petersen I'm not going to get into a discussion about stuff in not very knowledgeable in, but I'm calling bullshit on your first claim. If you WANT to, you can take a ballot openly. In our district we let each and everyone choose behind screens. If you want to show how you're voting, go right ahead, that's your choice. I usually pick one of each from maybe six different parties so that no one can see how I'm voting. So bullshit on that. The only thing I can say about your second point is awesome! I'm happy we can denounce racist fucks here instead giving them a free ride like a certain Trump. But that's my opinion. We had LOTS of immigrants coming in, proudly voting, a couple of them even said how great it is to be able to vote freely, without someone putting a gun to your head telling you how to vote. If that's not democracy, I don't know what is. Are there flaws? Absolutely. Democracy IS the worst kind of ruling, if you don't count the other ones...

[@garry12777]

I FIGURED IT OUT at 10:10 . They're not arbitrary. They decide based on who they believe would vote for their party.

[@Ref_Named_Wayne]

As a man living in Florida, I approve of your message John Oliver

[@svenf8947]

I don't understand how the US can strip it's citizens of their rights, isn't freedom the one thing they're supposed to stand for? Here in Germany, as long as you have German citizenship, you are allowed to vote via postal vote and prisons are obligated to inform and assist you with that. The secrecy of your ballot is protected and everything. The only case in which you lose that right is by decision of a judge and that usually only happens if you're convicted of treason. And it makes sense, what difference do the crimes of a person make on their political views? Why should criminals not be able to say "I want this person to be my president."? If a person is a sex offender, do you think he can vote sex offender supporters in office or what? If that is ever a real concern then your system deciding who's legible for office is truly fucked.

[@JohnPrepuce]

Actually people lose a lot of rights when they're in prison. Or freedoms are curtailed. It really is arbitrary but necessary. Would you have a prisoner be allowed to exercise his right to bare arms? Or freedom of assembly? Even freedom of speech is highly limited in prison, as is freedom of religion. There are arguments to be made in all cases of civil rights but so far, this is what our representatives have decided for our state prison system. Now after prison, that should be a different story altogether.

[@neutronpixie6106]

That's because Germany isn't a shithole country like the US is.

[@felixgijon8621]

"liberty and justice for all" is just a marketing slogan.

[@pegmay7209]

I lived in Italy for several years as a kid before moving back to America. I’m just as stuned as you are. I’ve been considering moving away from this country just because of the lack of common sense recently. Is Germany welcoming immagrants? You know, unlike America seems to be doing dispite it being founded by immagrants?

[@hamsterdoom360]

Uhm... we _do_ have a sex offender in the White House who passively supports other sex offenders.

[@000hasem000]

supposed to be a comedy show, yet this is the best informative journalism we have.

[@mattburtless5783]

The best comedy is well researched and informed comedy.

[@boboso9774]

Sad 😕but a true story!

[@Steven-bq5fu]

It was like that with the daily show and Colbert report too. Comedy, satire, stretches the logic of the arguments to absurdity, and when it's stretched that far, the cracks become apparent.

[@stoneharper7038]

“Are there not consequences for your bad actions?” You mean like the lengthy prison sentence they just served?

[@Emmarrio]

Cracked up at Happy Pencil in all my nightmares 😂✏️

[@ohsteeev]

Felony disenfranchisement may INCREASE extremism. If they can't voice their opinions through votes how else will they choose to speak?

[@kenner116]

At least it's easy for them to get guns! "If not the ballot, then the bullet."

[@jaredhamon3411]

It is a federal felony for a felon to be in possession of a gun.

[@RichO1701e]

What's that saying about making peaceful revolution impossible, makes violent revolution inevitable.

[@miserychickadee]

Jared Hamon So what? What are you gonna do to 'em, take away their right to vote?

[@alopiaspelagicus1628]

@@jaredhamon3411 It should be a federal felony to strip people of their human rights, but you guys seem to not care about that. Oh wait, I forgot that you guys left the Human Rights Council... No wonder

[@brianonyancha3913]

In Kenya, whose democracy is about 55 years old, prisoners are allowed to vote even while in prison. The point of prison is punishment and reform not setting a basis for permanent disenfranchisement in life.

[@leviblevins513]

American prisons are for-profit institutions. Reform and rehabilitation is not the goal our prison systems.... Making money is. Private citizens can buy prisons and run them with little regulation or oversight. And since these wealthy prison owners want to attract public investors they love presenting their high recidivism rates. That's the number of people who come back to prison after getting out. The higher the rate.... the more prisoners you have.... the more money you make. You think they want these people reformed? You think they are investing in education or drug rehab or anything else? They leave with no money.... no place to go.... can't get a job being a felon.. So you come back again and again... so they can make money off you again and again. Capitalism is a great thing..... If you're already rich.

[@timmeeow]

I'm so late to this game, but I can not get over how perfect the speaking to Florida transition is.

[@ivanbo3217]

The way John says fish fucker ahahhhaa

[@darienbragg4826]

Footage from 9:50 is devastating. “I don’t feel comfortable doing it”. Unbelievable racism.

[@ReethCaldarson]

I'm not sure it is racism - just the fact that after the interview he felt "well that guys not voting for me or my party" and therefor "better not let him vote anyway"

[@fred_fred_fred]

Both of these really.

[@RIXRADvidz]

Rick Scott needs to be exposed. surely there are underage male prostitutes and a kilo of coke out there with his name slathered all over them

[@jessstuart7495]

The lack of process and arbitrariness is what I find so disturbing. These panelists are passing judgment on the man's character, after speaking with him for 10 minutes, and concluding he isn't worthy to have his voting rights restored. The amount of religious, racial, class, and political bias demonstrated in these hearings is unbelievable.

[@myriamickx7969]

Jess Stuart : the lawlessness (does this word exist?) of this whole situation is what I find infuriating. In Belgium, the law says when and for how long a felon can be deprived of his political rights. In the country that purports to be the greatest democracy in the world, there’s nothing???

[@tabularasa0606]

What happened to "served their sentence". They already payed for their crimes. Not being able to vote after that is criminal, that's punishing people after they have served their sentence.

[@deshawnmichaelson4161]

part of the sentence is permanent loss of voting - that's part of the "debt to society", like sex predators don't get to ever be a schoolteacher. BTW - parole is how vastly most "criminals" (and they're criminals for life) get out.

[@tabularasa0606]

Does the judge mention it? If not, it is not part of the sentence. It's not a debt to society it's taking away people's basic rights. Punishing people past their sentence only has an adverse effect, you drive them right back to crime.

[@shane-o-matic]

Because it’s not about serving a sentence. It’s about disenfranchising Black voters. If you notice, he said these laws were passed after the civil war. That is when white southerners were suddenly outnumbered in many places by the former slaves. In order to keep control and keep blacks in their place, these reconstruction era laws were enacted. Combine that with the many petty crimes for which blacks were imprisoned such as vagrancy and loitering, and you essentially have a plantation under the guise of the law. This is just a continuation of Jim Crow era protectionism of white supremacy. Can’t have people “monkeying up” the state now, can we?

[@kalyka98]

Why do they care if the person is religious or not? Because this way they can understand if they are repubblicans or not and stop them from voting

[@klausgaming7365]

If you get to pay taxes, you should get to vote as well. It doesn't matter if you are rapist, pedophile or Jesus returned.

[@jeiku5314]

America: “Home of the Brave, Land of the Free” Also America: “Lol, wut? No vote for you.”

[@lanceollyfre1181]

I love John Oliver because he makes the best of a bad situation. For that, I'm hopeful!

[@krayons226]

If they are safe enough to be release to the public then they should have their rights back. If not don't release them

[@corners3755]

Exactly! Why other people make it harder for felons to assimilate into a tax paying citzen, then whine about prison recidivism in the same breath!

[@JayDude07]

Honestly, the way we treat convicted felons almost certainly guarantees repeat offenses. Once you have served your time, you should have a clean slate. We keep felons from voting and make it difficult to get a job among other things. Life with that many roadblocks pretty much guarantees that they will return to a life of crime to make ends meets.

[@PrincessLorelei]

Not only is felony disenfranchisement ridiculous and immoral, it is also a cycle. The point about few citizens with felony convictions having actually committed violent crimes is evidence of that. If someone's punishment is disproportional to the crime, as would be the case in many drug cases, that may very well compel them to vote for candidates more in touch with reality. So, if you're a dickhead and want to keep your job, just make sure they can't vote against you. While you're at it, make some Voter ID laws, Gerrymander the shit out of everything, and do whatever else you can do to keep minorities, the poor, and anyone else whom would want reform from threatening your position. We have some major issues to solve as a nation if we want to keep considering ourselves a true democracy. This is a huge deal, but also still a drop in the bucket.

[@LSSYLondon]

The US has never been a true Democracy. It was a Constitutional Republic created for and supporting the vote of rich white landowning males...

[@ashchoosespikachu]

LOVED how seamlessly the set transitioned xD