A key focus of the session was a thought-provoking debate around the question: “Should prisoners be allowed to vote?” Learners wrote thoughtful responses, considering arguments around rehabilitation, justice, and civil rights. The activity encouraged learners to develop their critical thinking, while connecting classroom learning to real-world political issues.

Should prisoners be allowed to vote?

I think that they shouldn't be able to vote because they could be in there for life and probably won't get out for a while. They don't really need a say on what happens in the outside world. Prisoners break the law and could vote for something then break the law again. They have forfeited their rights by breaking the law and doing dangerous activities.  For example, murderers have taken others’ rights.

On the other hand, they should be allowed to vote because they have children. They would like their children to be proud of the country they are from and to make them understand the world. They have human rights and would like their say in democracy and what happens in the world for their children.

Should prisoners be allowed to vote?

I completely agree that they should be allowed. The reason I agree with this is because prisoners still have the right to be part of a democracy. This should allow the prisoners to vote for the government they believe will do well for their country.

However, there should be a restriction depending on how serious the crime is.  Murderers and terrorists shouldn't be allowed to vote as their crimes are significantly worse than others. This is due to human rights being taken away when the crimes were being committed.