Peters says full prisoner voting ban is “extreme”

Atereano Mateariki Winston Peters | Peters says full prisoner voting ban is “extreme”

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Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters says voting is a privilege under the law, but a total ban is extreme, following the cabinet’s decision to reinstate a total voting ban.

Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says the changes will establish a consistent approach to prisoner voting, regardless of the length of sentence.

Peters says NZ First subscribes to the law was for those serving 2 years or less should be able to still vote, and those with longer sentences should cease that privilege.

“The reality here is that someone has just gone out and raped somebody or murdered somebody is demanding to have their fundamental rights to shape the law that they’ve just broken? Hah. The law has both privileges and responsibilities, and you cannot enjoy the privileges if you’re not prepared to be responsible,” says Peters.

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