Bernie: Even Marathon Bomber Should Have Right to Vote

Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., said Monday he thinks everyone should have the right to vote -- even the Boston Marathon bomber.

At a CNN Town Hall, Sanders argued democracy demands that right for every American.

"This is a democracy and we have got to expand that democracy, and I believe every single person does have the right to vote," he said.

Asked if that included sex offenders, the Boston Marathon bomber, terrorists, and murderers, Sanders replied:

"Yes, even for terrible people, because once you start chipping away and you say, 'Well, that guy committed a terrible crime, not going to let him vote. Well, that person did that. Not going to let that person vote,' you're running down a slippery slope.

"So, I believe people commit crimes, and they paid the price, and they have the right to vote. I believe even if they're in jail they're paying their price to society, but that should not take away their inherent American right to participate in our democracy."

Earlier this month, Sanders called for more states to join Vermont and Maine in allowing felons behind bars to vote, the Des Moines Register reported.

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