FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
CONTACT: Lisa Leeds for Tennessee House 58 Voice Phone Number: (615) 275-5279
Email Address: leeds42us@gmail.com Website URL: www.lisaleeds2008.com

Lisa Leeds, Libertarian Candidate for Tennessee House 58, calls for restoration of felon voting rights
Nashville, Tennessee, July 7, 2008: Lisa Leeds the Libertarian candidate for Tennessee House District 58 recognizes that disenfranchisement equals a suppression of individual liberty. Governments require ex-felons to pay taxes, while denying them representation through perpetual disenfranchisement thus dispensing cruel and unusual punishment.
Reconstruction era disenfranchisement of ex-Confederates established the principles for disenfranchisement of former convicted felons. While violent crime has declined, the government’s encroachment upon individual liberty increased incarceration rates in the United States by 500%, one of the highest incarceration rates among Western nations. Ayn Rand wrote, “When there aren’t enough criminals one makes them. One declares so many things to be a crime that it becomes impossible for men to live without breaking laws.” Legislatures go a step further when they redefine a felony based on sentencing instead of the severity of the crime, and then subjecting felons to perpetual disenfranchisement.
About 5.3 million otherwise eligible voters in Americans are denied the right to vote because of a felony conviction. Upon completion of all sentencing requirements, felons should have full rights restored, anything less is cruel and unusual punishment. European nations allow ex-felons to vote after serving sentences and in some cases allow prisoners to vote. Maine and Vermont allow even felons in prison the right to vote. Recently more than 20 states have taken steps to make it easier for ex-felons to regain the right to vote. Tennessee still has the “most complex” system of restoration. Clearly Tennessee’s restoration system needs reform.
For additional information on Lisa Leeds Libertarian Candidacy for Tennessee House District 58, short statements, or to schedule a full interview please contact Lisa Leeds for Tennessee House 58 at (615) 275-5279 or visit www.lisaleeds2008.com.
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