Felony Disenfranchisement policy change within Florida
Category: Other
Updated: 28 May 2021
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Created byEve Findlay
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Events
1 February 2018
Federal Judge Mark E Walker ruled Florida's process of
choosing which felons got their rights back (personal
discretion of governor and clemency board) was
unconstitutional6 November 2018
Mid-term election
65% Floridians voted in favour of
Amendment 4 which automatically restored
felons' rights (excluding those convicted of
murder/ violent sex offences)8 January 2019
Amendment 4 implemented
1.4 million Floridians gain the right to vote28 June 2019
Bill 7066 enacted meaning felons must pay
outstanding fines, fees and restitutions before
gaining the right to vote24 May 2020
U.S. District Judge Robert Hinkle ruled
that the state can prohibit felons from
voting if they have outstanding legal
financial obligations that they are able
to pay, but not if they are unable to pay.11 September 2020
US Court of Appeals (eleventh circuit) overturned the lower court ruling.
It was ruled the requirement for felons to pay fines did not violate the U.S.
Constitution (14th amendment). 750,000 people are disenfranchised 2 months
before 2020 Presidential ElectionLate September 2020
NYC mayor and former candidate for
the Democratic presidential nomination donates
$16million to the Florida Rights Restitution Coalition
(FRRC), to help felon's pay off outstanding fines3 November 2020
US presidential Election
Republicans win Florida
by 371686 votes
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