Convicted felons in Florida cannot vote. But, organizations including the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition and Floridians for Fair Democracy are pushing a ballot initiative to change that.
The president of the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition will be speaking at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Greater Naples on June 20.
The initiative is one step closer to becoming a reality.
Desmond Meade is the president of the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition.
He said the petition has 50,000 signatures. It needs almost 70,000 to head to the Florida Supreme Court for review.
Meade is a convicted felon. He also has a law degree. But said he can’t apply to the bar to practice, buy a home or vote.
“I can’t have my voice heard and participate in decisions in how my community is governed. But, I think more important than me is we have almost 2 million Floridians who are in the same situation,” he said.
He said one of the myths about these offenders is that they’re mostly black. He said this is an issue that transcends race. He also said most felons are convicted of nonviolent offenses and don’t spend time in prison.
The amendment would restore voting rights for felons who complete all terms of their sentencing. It would not apply to those convicted of murder or sexual offenses.
President of the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition Desmond Meade will speak Saturday, June 20 at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Greater Naples at 7 p.m.
