Florida Republicans move to limit felon voting rights despite constitutional amendment

[turbinetree]

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez called the measure, which would place conditions on the re-enfranchisement of millions, a "poll tax."

March 19, 2019, 6:49 PM EDT
By Jane C. Timm

Florida legislators advanced a bill on Tuesday that is expected to limit the number of former felons who can vote, in part by requiring former felons to pay back all court fees and fines before they can register.

Critics say the measure hits lower-income Floridians hardest and is designed to defy the will of the voters, who passed a constitutional amendment last year restoring voting rights to some felons who have completed their sentences without any mention of fines and fees. Rep. Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., wrote on Twitter that the measure was "a poll tax by any other name."

“What the barriers proposed in this bill do is nearly guarantee that people will miss election after election …because they cannot afford to pay financial obligations,” said Julie Ebenstein, a voting rights attorney at the American Civil Liberties Union. “It’s an affront to the Florida voters.”

In November, 65 percent of Floridians voted to approve an amendment to the state's constitution, Amendment 4, that restored voting rights to certain former felons “after they complete all terms of their sentence including parole or probation.” Those who were convicted of “murder or sexual offenses” were not eligible for rights restoration.

https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/politics-news/florida-republicans-move-limit-felon-voting-rights-despite-constitutional-amendment-n985156

Well this didn't take long for the racist fascist republican controlled legislature and the "newly" elected bigot, in the state to try and undermine the voter passed by 65% amendment......................just like on the national level, the republicans are really fascist it's that plain and simple, to hell with the voter....................

November 3, 2020 cannot get here fast enough..................

[Arkansas Granny]

1. And despite the will of the voters, as well.

[turbinetree]

2. They just don't care what voters do in the ballot box, look at what they tried to do in Mchigan and

Wisconsin............and then there is Georgia, they are CHEATS, its that simple...............there just like spoiled little kids, if they don't get there way,.............................

I really hope that the Blue Wave Chapter Two is in the process..................this can't keep going on................





November 3, 2020 cannot get here fast enough...................