Where does the "right to vote" stack up compared to other rights?

Question

How does the right to vote compare to the right to life, liberty, property and the other rights (habeas corpus, right to bear arms, etc.) that support those rights? How often does the exercise of the right to vote result in infringements upon other rights? And how do you reconcile when the political institutions that are legitimized by the right to vote result in murder, theft and slavery?

Answer 1

I think voting is a function of membership, as in citizenship, for example. I think habeus corpus is for all because it is a right of your person. You can go back home if you are unhappy about not being able to vote somewhere. The right to bear arms is both self defense, and helps to guarantee the other rights, so I think it is right up there. However, I do think some rights are for citizens, and others may or may not be. The more intrusive and personal the situation to be applied, the more necessary for due process to apply a right to all.



I'm not sure I get the last part of your question.

Answer 2

The right to vote and the right of free speech are the fundamental civic rights. Without these, it is much easier to lose other rights; with these, you can defend or acquire other rights.



Addition for Time to Shrug, Atlas: Article 1 section 2, and Amendments 14, 15, and 17 of the US Constitution, plus federal and state laws based on them, guarantee the right to vote. Is that enough research, or do you want to quibble?



Addition for Joe S: Are we carrying on a serious discussion, or do you just want to gripe? I never said anything about guaranteeing your happiness, nor does the Declaration of Independence. In any human system, mistakes will be made and crimes will be committed. Systems of government are instituted to minimize these mistakes and correct the crimes and bring about a positive result. It is an ongoing process which requires the intelligent vigilance of the citizens. If you spend all your energy just complaining about the imperfections, you are part of the problem, not part of the solution.

Answer 3

Of those you listed, I'd put it on the top tier with life and liberty, and above the less significant rights to property and bearing arms. Right now I'm not sure where I'd rank habeus corpus.



I don't know what you are getting at with your question regarding one's right to vote infringing upon other rights.



Nothing should legitimize murder. Pretty much the same with theft and slavery, though you may want to clarify your definition of those two.



EDIT: Nice profile. Are you just upset because your von Mises champion Ron Paul is unelectable? Maybe we should just take away people's right to vote to get him in office! I know, it's unfair how you can't always have your way. Welcome to politics, son.

Answer 4

The right to vote is lower than the right to bear arms because the NRA has a strong lobby. Although we have the right ot vote does it count? The 2000 election brought questions about this.



The right ot happiness is very low because corporations and the stock market discrimination, lay off, and keep minimum wages low if their profits are threatened. Plus, the environment is being destroyed constanty



Freedom of speech rarely exists now. Look at what happened to Sharon Stone for just giving her opinion. Speech is greatly linked to economics now. I've worked jobs where people are afraid to voice their opinon due to reprecusions. I'm even seeing people in bad relationships who are keeping their mouths shut because they can't afford to divorce.

Answer 5

Its at the bottom, because my vote is usually based on those other rights. Plus with the candidates of the last 20 years our votes havent mattered a whole lot.



Louis there isnt a democracy now, its a republic.

Answer 6

There is no Constitutionally protected "right to vote".



Anyone who thinks otherwise should do a little research.



Gilbert A: The Constitution allows state legislatures, not individual voters, to select electors to elect the President through the Electoral College.



The Amendments you mention establish various reasons that a potential voter cannot be discriminated against - they do not establish a universal right to vote.

See article:

http://www.house.gov/jackson/DoAmericansHaveTheRight%20ToVote.doc

Answer 7

Without fair and free elections, where every vote is counted and every voice is heard, there is no democracy, regardless of the consequences of the vote.

Answer 8

It's their right...right? Just don't let Wright anywhere close, alright?