We’ve got to take joy where we can, and Election Day’s given us one very remarkable cause for joy in Florida: Amendment 4 has restored voting rights to 1.5 million people by ending a policy that permanently deprived people convicted of felonies of their right to vote—a policy you’ll find in just three other states.
Until now, Floridians have had to wait at least five years after release or the end of parole or probation, whichever comes latest, to even apply for re-enfranchisement. Now, it’s only Floridians whose felonies involve murder or sex crimes who’ll still be subject to this restrictive policy. Check out Stephen Wolf’s terrific explanation of the horrifying roots of this form of disenfranchisement.
Again, that’s 1.5 million people in Florida who just won recognition of their personhood and the prerogative to exercise their right to vote.
It’s a huge victory for those Floridians but also a significant achievement for those fighting for voting rights nationwide. Florida Rights Restoration Commission gathered more than 1 million signatures just to get it on the ballot. The effort behind Amendment 4 was Herculean. But it was also bipartisan: Both Ben & Jerry’s and the Koch Brothers were also supporters.
Criminal justice reform has emerged as a common ground between the parties, and here’s the proof. To many more such victories.