Introduction to the Historical Context

The world in which America's founding fathers lived was vastly different from the modern one. Almost no one had the right to vote during that early period. Voting was limited to free adult males who owned substantial amounts of property. Since most felons faced the death penalty, there was little concern about their voting rights. Capital punishment rendered a dead man incapable of voting, making the issue relatively insignificant.

Early Voting Rights and the Absence of Felon Disenfranchisement

No explicit ban against felons voting was included in the constitutions of the period. The limited electorate of the time did not extend the franchise to felons, but this decision was more a result of the practicalities and limitations of the era rather than a principled stance against felons voting.

The Evolution of the Right to Vote

Over time, and as the world evolved, the founding ideals of a government of, by, and for the people led to the expansion of the voting franchise. The right to vote was eventually granted to those without property, former slaves, and women, nearly encompassing almost the entire adult population. This expansion was also accompanied by an increase in the prison population as the use of capital punishment decreased.

The Introduction of Felon Disenfranchisement Laws

Many states began to introduce laws preventing felons from voting over time. These laws emerged after the founding era, as legislators sought to devise ways to disenfranchise minority voters through criminalizing certain behaviors. These laws did not stem directly from the founding fathers’ desires but from later legislations.

Understanding the Founder's Intentions

The founding fathers had concerns about a broad electorate, considering that over 200 years ago, literacy rates were lower than illiteracy rates. This reflects in their decision to restrict the right to vote, an approach they believed would better serve the interests of what they saw as a more informed and educated electorate.

The Significance of Founding Portraits

It is worth noting that many of the founding fathers, including future presidents, were known to have been involved in acts deemed felonious in the early days. This highlights the different definitions and standards of 'felon' in the past compared to today. Murderers and those involved in serious violent crimes are just a fraction of what felonies can encompass today.

Modern Interpretations and the Question of LGBTQ Rights

While modern interpretations of the founding fathers’ intentions do not explicitly mention fear of a gay president with a transgender spouse, it is essential to consider the societal norms and fears of the time. The framers were primarily concerned with maintaining a stable and morally upright society, with limited voting rights associated with property and literacy.

Conclusion and Reflection

In conclusion, America’s founding fathers did not write any laws prohibiting convicts or felons from voting. This is not stipulated in the Constitution. Rather, felon disenfranchisement laws developed later as part of broader efforts to disenfranchise minority groups through criminalization. The evolution of the right to vote in the United States reflects the ongoing struggle to balance representation with justice and fairness in American society.