Op-Ed: A Broken Democracy by Kingston Kershaw

Photo of Kingston Kershaw, Photo credit Aaron Kershaw

By Kingston O'Neil Kershaw

As you might know, the United States of America is a democracy. Technically, it is a constitutional republic but still a democracy nonetheless. Webster’s Dictionary defines democracy as "a system of government by the whole population or all the eligible citizens of a state, typically through elected representatives.” 

For some reason, this definition is fascinating to me. It says explicitly, “eligible citizens.” This is due to non-citizens and, in some cases, those who have lost their rights, for example, felons not being allowed to vote in federal elections. This sparks the question: If, in a democracy, a felon faces restrictions on voting for something as important as the U.S. Presidential Election, why can felons become president? 

The First Criminal President

Mugshot of President-elect Donald Trump

This question approached me in a discussion I had in class in D.C. Public Schools. Our class shared our thoughts on the 2024 election when I reminded myself that some people in the United States, including convicted felons, can’t vote in a federal election. Yet the winner of the 2024 U.S. Presidential election, Donald Trump, has a criminal record himself. 

It is a matter of public knowledge that Trump was s found guilty of 34 felony counts in New York County (Manhattan). It saddens me that our so-called democracy isn’t strong enough to prevent loopholes like this. 

America is meant to be a country of “freedom.” If those who have been locked in prison for prolonged sentences have paid their debt to society, they should be able to vote if a convicted felon like Donald Trump can become president. I understand there is a path to restore these rights, but in Trump’s case, he’s paid no debt at all, as he was just convicted and not yet sentenced, and still won the election. This is very hypocritical. 

Although a flawed candidate, Kamala Harris was the best of the two candidates we had if Trump’s “eligibility” received the same scrutiny as any other American who has a criminal record. Instead, our flawed democracy will become increasingly corrupted and produce more injustice if we continue to let people like Donald Trump govern our country. 

A Broken System: Felon Beats Prosect

Former Vice President Kamala Harris, Getty Images

I propose expanding our restrictions on felons voting in presidential elections to candidates and their eligibility to run for office. We should recognize the rights and freedoms of felons who have served their time and allow them to be accepted back into society. 

If America wants to live up to its high ideals of freedom and equality, I suggest it hold the same standards for both voters’ and candidates’ eligibility to participate in our elections. It is one of the only ways to keep our government from collapsing into chaos and remaining true to our values.