Who should vote?

In the United States everyone who excedes the age of 18 and is a US citizen is allowed to register and vote for whom they believe would best represent their interests. I personally believe that there should be extra criteria required for those who choose to vote. A person should have the resources and skills necessary to vote, they should have an interest in the issues and be informed on those that they are voting to enact. The citizen should have concern over the political outcome and not just vote on appearances of the candidates alone. If asked questions about the senators or the members of the house, the citizen should be able to recall the names of their state representatives and the way in which they typically vote (whether that be conservatively or liberally).

Many people in recent years, some of my conservative family members included, only turn out to vote because they do not want the opposite parties candidate to win. This is not a sufficient reason to vote, one should have a stance on the issues and know exactly why they do not or do like a candidate. They should be well-informed and not just get information "on the cheap", by using their psychological connectedness to a party identification to vote the same zombie like way each time they enter a poll booth.

In conclusion, when it comes to felon voting laws I do agree that the decision to reinstate these citizens right to vote should be left to the States. Whether it be that the right is lost permanently, is restored after term of incarceration, parole, and probation is completed, or is completely unrestricted. These citizens should be able to vote if their State believes that this right has been earned.