YES ON PROP. 17 TO HELP FELONS GO STRAIGHT

As illustrated by the criticism that Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden has faced over his support for tough anti-crime laws while a Delaware senator in the late 20th century, the idea that the criminal justice system should harshly judge lawbreakers used to be close to a bipartisan consensus. But in recent years, it’s become more widely understood that crime is a young man’s game, that long prison sentences are costly and counterproductive, and that racial inequities are common in the practice of law enforcement. President Donald Trump has also chosen to embrace criminal justice reform.

This evolution in thinking is on display in Proposition 17. Placed on the Nov. 3 ballot with wide support from state lawmakers, it would amend the state Constitution to allow people on parole for felony convictions to vote. As California Secretary of State Alex Padilla notes, this is an excellent way to promote civic engagement among the 50,000 such individuals in the Golden State — to get them to feel like they are constructive contributors to society.

Critics of Proposition 17, who often make emotional pleas about victims’ rights, offer no evidence that restoring felons’ voting rights has led to bad consequences in the 19 states that have similar laws.

People who make mistakes should not be thrown away in modern society. Vote yes on Proposition 17 to help such individuals lead productive lives.