Full Idea
Democracy is a way of expressing equal respect for all, which is perhaps why we withdraw the vote from criminals: by their behaviour they forfeit the right to equal respect.
Gist of Idea
Democracy expresses equal respect (which explains why criminals forfeit the vote)
Source
Jonathan Wolff (An Introduction to Political Philosophy (Rev) [2006], 3 'Conc')
A Reaction
I disagree, and he has converted me to franchise for criminals. One-off criminals do not forfeit my respect for them as people, though their action may merit a controlling response on our part. Bad character, not a bad action, forfeits respect.
Book Reference
Wolff,Jonathan: 'An Introduction to Political Philosophy (Rev)' [OUP 2006], p.102