Felon voting restoration

There have been a few articles in recent years about restoring voting rights to convicted felons. This article talks about how in Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack is issuing a blanket order restoring voting rights to all Iowa felons who've completed their sentences. The article goes on to discuss the assumption that Democrats are supporting felons voting because they will vote for Democrat candidates. While that could be correct, I don't think it is the most important reason that it's a bad idea. Actions must have consequences. If you are convicted of a felony crime it is understood that you have forfeited the right to vote. I won't go so far as to argue that it has a deterrent effect because it's doubtful a crook would stop and think about losing voting rights. However, it has been part of the deal. To enjoy all the rights of citizenship you have to play by the rules. Committing a felony is a major breach of the rules of good citizenship and should result in loss of voting rights. Individuals can apply for reinstatement of those rights via the pardon process. However, blanket restoration is flat out wrong.