- In a key ballot initiative, Florida will restore voting rights to citizens convicted of certain felonies after they have served their sentences, including prison terms, parole and probationary periods, AP has projected.
Voting rights will not be restored to those convicted of murder or felony sexual offenses.
Approximately 1.5 million people are currently barred from voting in the state because of a past felony conviction — a figure representing about 10 percent of Florida's adult population.
Felons who have served their sentences in Florida have in recent years been forced to appeal to the governor and his Cabinet for the restoration of their voting rights.
While more than 150,000 Floridians had their voting rights restored during Democrat Charlie Crist's four years in office, Gov. Rick Scott's ascension to the office seven years ago put a halt to that. Since 2011, Scott has restored voting rights to just over 3,000 people.
Well this could really change things in Florida
I remember finding out how restricted voting was in America during the last election and being shocked by how backwards it all was. We set up polling stations in prisons in Canada, because it’s already considered a right of every Canadian when they turn 18. This is a good step and it also starts a conversation with people from other countries in a positive way. Kind of like when a kid from a messed up family talks to people from normal families and goes holy shit this isn’t okay this should change.
We beat people in prison and the experience of jail before even being formally charged is unpleasant. I can elaborate on that later if anyone wants. I'm surprised you let prisoners vote but also wondering why we don't. Oh yeah, you lose human rights here as well as constitutional rights. What was I thinking?