WASHINGTON – The Senate rejected a measure Thursday that would have given felons the right to vote after they complete their sentences.

It was just one of the many amendments senators were considering as part of a $3.4 billion election overhaul bill.

The issue of allowing felons the right to vote brought some of the most emotional rhetoric in a day that dealt mostly with ballot machines and voting technology.

“They’ve paid their debt to society. Shouldn’t they be able to have the right to vote? That’s what this is all about,” said Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., and the amendment’s sponsor.

The measure’s co-sponsor, Sen. Arlen Specter, R-Pa., said, “That person owes nothing more to society and that person, I think, deserves the right to vote.”

But the two were unable to sway their colleagues, many of whom came to the floor to denounce the amendment before voting it down 63-31.

“I don’t think American policy is going to be better informed if we have a bunch of felons in the process,” said Sen. Jeff Sessions, R-Ala.

Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., said that when a person is convicted “that person should lose his right to vote.”

“Do we want to see convicted terrorists voting in elections? Do we want to see jailhouse blocs banning together to oust sheriffs?” McConnell said.

Felons’ voting rights vary by state. Nine states impose a lifetime voting ban on convicted felons. In 32 states, felons can vote after serving their sentence and completing parole. Two states – Maine and Vermont – have no prohibition and allow prisoners to vote. Massachusetts voters in 2000 voted to place prohibitions on felons’ voting rights.