On November 6, 2018 we witnessed true democracy when Floridians voted overwhelmingly that individuals with felony convictions should have their voting rights restored upon completion of their sentence. A 150-year old Jim Crow Era law will end in 2019, a law that disenfranchised more people in the state of Florida than the total population of many other states.
About 1.4 million Floridians who were convicted of felonies will be able to vote again. This number consists of felons who have completed their sentences including parole or probation and have paid all court-ordered restitution, as necessary.
The amendment will take effect on January 8, 2019. This means that felons who have completed their sentences should be able to register to vote on this date.
However, implementation of the Amendment is a question particularly if Ron DeSantis becomes Florida’s next governor. DeSantis spoke in opposition to the amendment during his campaign for governor. Three state agencies will have to share data to make supervisors of election aware of which felons have completed their sentences and should have their rights restored.
It will take some degree of cooperation amongst these agencies to allow for eligible citizens to register to vote on January 8.
