Democratic socialist Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) doubled down on his controversial proposal that would allow convicted criminals the right to vote while in prison, during a “She the People” event in Houston on April 24.
Sanders, who is vying for the Democratic 2020 presidential nomination, argued that allowing criminals to vote is comparable to the civil rights movement that enabled voting rights for women and blacks.
In his speech, Sanders admitted that his proposal had faced condemnation. But he continued to defend his stance.
“I was criticized rather strongly because I said that when we talk about the right to vote that right should exist for people who are currently in jail,” Sanders said.
“And I was told this was a terrible idea, despite the fact that in Canada and in countries all over the world—why did I say that?” Sanders said. “I said that because the right to vote is essential. If you are a citizen, you have the right to vote.”
“So my view is it’s not a matter if you are a good person or a bad person. You commit a crime, pay the price, go to jail,” he said. “But being an American citizen and having the right to vote is something we should never, ever give up on.”
Since Sanders first brought up his felon voting proposal at an April 7 town hall event in Iowa, other 2020 contenders have been asked for their views on it.
When Sen. Kamala Harris (D-Calif.) was pressed for comment on the issue, her response contrasted with Sanders.
Meanwhile, Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), another presidential candidate, said there needed to be more debate on the issue, without offering any opinion of her own.
Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) has been a vocal critic of the plan. On Twitter, he brought up the type of people that would be able to vote under Sanders’s plan.