Words By: Symone Daniels
Although Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum was defeated in the race for Florida Governor, the state still gained a victory by voting in favor of Amendment 4. The purpose of Amendment 4 is to automatically restore the voting rights for people with prior felony convictions, except those convicted of murder or felony sexual offense.
More than 799,000 voters signed a petition in order for Amendment 4 to be placed on the ballot. Felons must wait at least five years after completing their sentences to ask the Florida Clemency Board According to a report from the Sentencing Project, in 2016 around 6.1 million people were disenfranchised due to a felony conviction. Florida, along with Iowa, Kentucky, and Virginia are states where convicted felons do not regain the right to vote unless a state officer or board restores the persons voting rights.
Felons must wait at least five years after completing their sentences to ask the Florida Clemency Boars. Â Thanks to voters, 1.4 million people now have their voting rights restored making this the largest expansion in voting rights.