This Florida Proposal on Ex-Felon Voting Rights Could Have National Impact — Here’s How

Convicted felons in Florida could have their voting rights restored automatically upon completion of their sentences if a proposal passes this November . . .

“Dems want to restore the felon vote because they think they will benefit; Republicans want to restrict felon voting because they believe they will be harmed,” said former University of South Florida professor Darryl Paulson, who is a fellow at the conservative Heritage Foundation. “Most felons are nonviolent and deserve to have their rights restored. Most felons in Florida are white, not black. If conservatives want to end recidivism and reintegrate felons into society, the restoration of voting rights is essential.” . . .

Concerns on both sides about the political impact of restoring the vote to convicted felons explains why this has remained a contentious issue for decades.

The 2000 presidential election serves as a useful example of the potential significance of 1.5 million Floridians suddenly being allowed to vote. A 2002 study estimates that if Florida’s former felons had been allowed to vote in 2000 and turned out at a 13 percent rate, 31,000 additional votes would have been cast. Former president George W. Bush won by 537 votes.

Florida is just one of four states that still permanently bans ex-felons from voting. (Read more from “This Florida Proposal on Ex-Felon Voting Rights Could Have National Impact — Here’s How” HERE)

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