Connect with us

News from the South - Missouri News Feed

Liberty and justice for all includes the right to vote

Published

on

missouriindependent.com – Katie Quinn – 2025-07-09 05:55:00


More than 50,000 Missourians on probation or parole are barred from voting, as Missouri only restores voting rights after supervision ends. This disenfranchisement affects tax-paying citizens eager to participate in democracy. Bipartisan bills like H.B. 617 and S.B. 714, filed by Republicans Melanie Stinnett and Kurtis Gregory, aimed to restore voting rights earlier but failed. Restoring voting rights would increase election turnout, reduce recidivism, and foster safer communities. Allowing justice-involved individuals to vote also builds trust in government and supports reintegration. Advocates urge Missouri lawmakers to pass laws granting voting rights to those on probation or parole, promoting true democratic inclusion.

by Katie Quinn, Missouri Independent
July 9, 2025

The Fourth of July has just passed, and next year’s holiday will be defined by the 250th anniversary signing of the Declaration of Independence. As we celebrate this milestone, it is important to remind ourselves that everyone’s vote defines a democracy. However, more than 50,000 Missourians are barred from voting because they are on probation or parole.

Missouri is one of 15 states that do not restore voting rights until the end of a person’s supervision post-incarceration, including the completion of probation or parole. People who have served their time and have been released back into society may have to wait years before being eligible to vote. The current law disenfranchises tax-paying citizens who want to engage with their civic duty.

We need to demand that Missouri legislators restore people’s right to vote who are on probation or parole. In recent years, the state legislature has created bipartisan legislation to support its constituents who otherwise cannot cast a ballot.

State Rep. Melanie Stinnett, a Republican from Springfield, and State Sen. Kurtis Gregory, a Republican from Marshall, filed bills to restore voting rights while on probation or parole but they did not pass. All Missourians should support future bills like H.B. 617 and S.B. 714 that have the potential to protect public safety, increase civic engagement, and extend freedom to all citizens.

Granting people on probation or parole the right to vote would not only increase election turnout but would also be beneficial for all Missourians. Expanding the right to vote reduces recidivism, creating safer communities. People who are formerly incarcerated are less likely to reoffend when they are contributing members of society. Voting is a simple and effective way to prevent crime. 

In addition, people on probation or parole have an increased trust in government when they can vote. Justice-involved individuals are often wary of the government because of their own experiences within the system. Missouri can promote a stronger sense of civic responsibility among all its residents by allowing returning citizens to vote.

Formerly incarcerated people have served their time and should not be further punished by an unjust law. Individuals cannot fully reintegrate into society without voter restoration. They deserve the same right to vote as everyone else. 

Lawmakers should expand voting rights because it is in line with what the United States stands for: Democracy for all. Whole communities will flourish, and state legislators can be a part of positive change. We, the people, need to demand Missouri legislators pass a law that restores a person’s right to vote if they are on probation or parole.

GET THE MORNING HEADLINES.

SUBSCRIBE

Missouri Independent is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Missouri Independent maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Jason Hancock for questions: info@missouriindependent.com.

The post Liberty and justice for all includes the right to vote appeared first on missouriindependent.com



Note: The following A.I. based commentary is not part of the original article, reproduced above, but is offered in the hopes that it will promote greater media literacy and critical thinking, by making any potential bias more visible to the reader –Staff Editor.

Political Bias Rating: Center-Left

This content advocates for expanding voting rights to people on probation or parole, framing it as a matter of justice, civic engagement, and public safety. While it cites bipartisan efforts, it highlights the need for legislative changes that typically align with center-left and progressive priorities promoting reintegration and reducing disenfranchisement. The tone is empathetic toward formerly incarcerated individuals and critical of existing restrictions, reflecting a bias toward expanding voter access and social equity consistent with Center-Left perspectives.

News from the South - Missouri News Feed

Kathy Kaiser returns with some film reviews of some new releases

Published

on

www.youtube.com – FOX 2 St. Louis – 2025-07-10 10:15:59

SUMMARY: Kathy Kaiser reviews new releases, starting with tonight’s Cardinals vs. Nationals game, hoping for a strong batting performance in hot weather. She discusses the new Superman film, directed by James Gunn from St. Louis, praising David Corenswet’s portrayal though missing more Clark Kent focus. The film introduces many characters for the evolving DC Universe, earning 4 out of 5 popcorn. Kathy also highlights a Nat Geo documentary on Steven Spielberg’s filmmaking challenges, rating it 5 out of 5. The documentary, co-produced by Amblin, offers a compelling behind-the-scenes look and streams on Disney Plus and Hulu. More reviews to come.

ST. LOUIS – Looking for a new movie to watch? Kathy Kaiser shares her thoughts on new releases such as Superman, The Better Sister, and Jaws @ 50, an anniversary celebration and re-release of Jaws (1975).

Source

Continue Reading

News from the South - Missouri News Feed

How to spot Amazon Prime Day scams

Published

on

www.youtube.com – FOX 2 St. Louis – 2025-07-09 22:07:29

SUMMARY: Amazon’s longest Prime Day sale, now lasting four days, has increased opportunities for scammers targeting shoppers. Cybersecurity experts warn about phishing emails, fake websites, and fraudulent text messages mimicking Amazon to steal personal and credit card information. Scammers send messages claiming order issues to trick users into clicking malicious links. Over 120,000 fake Amazon websites have been identified, designed to capture sensitive data by copying Amazon’s site but using deceptive URLs. Experts advise verifying orders directly on Amazon’s official website and carefully checking URLs and email addresses to avoid falling victim to these scams during the Prime Day event.

Amazon Prime Day can be a prime time for shoppers. Adobe Analytics forecasts Prime Day will generate $23.8 billion in sales across retailers, up 28% from the same period last year. Cybersecurity experts say scammers are also looking to cash in.

St. Louis News: FOX 2 covers news, weather, and sports in Missouri and Illinois. Read more about this story or see the latest updates on our website https://FOX2Now.com

Follow FOX 2 on social media:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/FOX2Now
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FOX2Now/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FOX2Now/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fox2now/
TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@fox2now
SnapChat: https://www.snapchat.com/add/fox2now

Source

Continue Reading

News from the South - Missouri News Feed

After deadly floods, state and federal leaders look for answers

Published

on

fox2now.com – Matt Grant – 2025-07-09 13:30:00

SUMMARY: After devastating flooding in Kerr County, Texas leaders at all levels are calling for answers and improvements. State Rep. Joe Moody urges immediate action on flood warning systems, such as outdoor sirens, and long-term preparedness. State Rep. Drew Darby advocates reviving House Bill 13 for a statewide emergency alert plan. Governor Greg Abbott announced a special session focused on flood recovery and resilience. At the federal level, Senators Ted Cruz and John Cornyn emphasize bipartisan efforts to improve disaster response, though Cornyn defends the National Weather Service’s warnings amid criticism. President Trump plans a visit, calling the flood a “100-year catastrophe.”

Read the full article

The post After deadly floods, state and federal leaders look for answers appeared first on fox2now.com

Continue Reading

Trending