Can You vote in Florida with a felony?

Can You Vote in Florida with a Felony?

The right to vote is a fundamental aspect of democracy, and it’s essential to understand the rules surrounding voting rights in the United States. In Florida, the question of whether you can vote with a felony conviction is a common one. In this article, we’ll provide a detailed answer to this question and discuss the current laws and policies surrounding felony voting rights in Florida.

Can You Vote in Florida with a Felony?

Yes, but with Conditions

In Florida, voters with felony convictions can cast their ballots, but they must first complete their sentencing and have their voting rights restored. According to Florida Statute 99.063, a felon’s voting rights are restored automatically when they complete their sentence, including any parole or probation.

Voting Rights Restoration Process in Florida

The process of restoring voting rights in Florida is straightforward:

• Complete your sentence, including parole and probation
• Get a certificate of completion from the Florida Department of Corrections
• Submit the certificate to the Florida Department of State’s Division of Elections
• Wait for confirmation from the Division of Elections that your voting rights have been restored

Conditions for Voting Rights Restoration

To qualify for voting rights restoration, you must meet the following conditions:

• Have completed your sentence, including parole and probation
• Have paid any fines or restitution associated with your sentence
• Have not been convicted of a felony crime within the past 10 years

Felony Crimes Exempt from Restoration

Not all felony convictions are eligible for voting rights restoration. The following felony crimes are exempt:

• Manslaughter (First-degree murder and manslaughter are not eligible for restoration)
• Trafficking in controlled substances (including drug-related crimes)
• Murder of a law enforcement officer or firefighter
• Attempted murder of a law enforcement officer or firefighter

History of Felony Voting Laws in Florida

Florida has a complex history when it comes to felony voting rights. In 1868, the state constitution restored voting rights to former Confederates who had been denied the right to vote during the Reconstruction era. In the 20th century, Florida enacted laws that disfranchised African Americans and other minority groups, denying them the right to vote.

In 1969, the Florida Supreme Court ruled that the state’s felony disenfranchisement law was unconstitutional. However, in 1972, the Florida legislature passed a new law that restored voting rights to certain felons, but still denied them to others. Today, Florida is one of four states that has a felony disenfranchisement law.

Statistics on Felony Voting Rights in Florida

As of 2022, there are approximately 1.7 million Florida residents with felony convictions, with 800,000 of them eligible to have their voting rights restored.

Impact of Felony Voting Rights Restoration

The restoration of voting rights has significant implications for Florida communities. A study by the Sentencing Project found that:

• Voter turnout increases: In areas where felons have been able to vote, voter turnout has increased by as much as 10%
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• Economic growth: The restoration of voting rights can lead to increased economic growth and development, as individuals are more likely to invest in their communities
• Reducing recidivism: Restoring voting rights can reduce recidivism rates, as individuals are more likely to engage in positive behavior and re-integrate into society

Conclusion

In Florida, voters with felony convictions can cast their ballots, but they must first complete their sentencing and have their voting rights restored. The process is straightforward, but there are certain conditions that must be met. By understanding the current laws and policies surrounding felony voting rights in Florida, we can work towards ensuring that all eligible citizens have the right to participate in the democratic process.

Important Dates and Deadlines

• November 2, 2022: The deadline to register to vote in the 2022 general election
• March 2024: The deadline to apply for voting rights restoration under Amendment 4 (pending approval)

Additional Resources

• Florida Department of State’s Division of Elections: www.DOS.myflorida.com/elections
• Florida Department of Corrections: www.FDC.MyFLorida.com
• Sentencing Project: www.SentencingProject.org

Table: Voting Rights Restoration in Florida

Table: Exempt Felony Crimes