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Wednesday, a federal appeals court has ruled that Florida cannot bar felons who served their time from registering to vote simply because they have failed to pay all fines and fees stemming from their cases.
A three-judge panel of the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Wednesday upheld a Tallahassee federal judge’s decision that the law implementing Amendment 4 amounted to an unfair poll tax.
The Republican-led Legislature passed a law saying they had to pay any fines and fees first. GOP Gov. Ron DeSantis plans to ask the full 11th Circuit to reconsider the ruling.
The Orange County Supervisor of Elections says this certainly is not the end of the matter, and it won’t be resolved before the Presidential Primary in March. He does say however that if you are a felon and feel you have completed the requirements under Amendment 4 as you understand it, then to go ahead and register to vote.
The Florida Rights Restoration Coalition President Desmond Mead says he will continue to register voters under the law.
IT DOES NOT TOUCH OUR EFFORTS, FUNDRAISING EFFORTS WHERE WE RAISED OVER $300,000 AND WE PAID OUT OVER $255,000 BEFORE CHRISTMAS TO HELP PEOPLE PAY THEIR FINES AND FEES.
Desmond Mead, Florida Rights Restoration Coalition President
Mead also says they have a dedicated team ready to help any returning citizen no matter which county or how old their case is to pay their fees and fines. All you have to do is text “fine” to 82623 or call 1(800) My Vote 0 where you can make sure you are eligible to vote.
Civil rights groups have challenged the law in federal court and cases are still pending.
