Vote Yes On Amedment 4 In Florida
I'm going to give the Pensacola News Journal credit for their editorial on November 3, 2018. Pensacola is about as far away from Miami as you can get and still be in Florida culturally and geographically and still be in Florida. Why the good folks in the Florida Legislature haven't already taken care of this issue is beyond me.
But aside from the process, Florida’s current system is a direct descendant from Jim Crow era laws meant to prevent black citizens from voting. And disproportionately, that’s what still happens to millions of potential voters who were non-violent offenders who have fulfilled the demands of our justice system. “Yes” on Amendment 4 is crucial."
►" Amendment 4 is the most significant of the measures, civically and morally. This is the voting rights restoration amendment.
The
League of Women Voters non-partisan voting guide aptly summarizes
Amendment 4 as “restoring the voting rights of ex-felons after they’ve
completed their sentences, except for those convicted of murder or
felony sex offenses.” The League notes that, “Currently, ex-felons who
complete their sentences must seek permission to vote from the Florida
Cabinet, which rarely agrees.”
That’s true. And it
is embarrassing. Most states in the country have processes for automatic
rights restoration once someone has paid his or her debt to society. In
Florida, individuals must travel to Tallahassee and ask permission of
the governor, who can deny their request based on personal feelings and
without any substantive or official reason. It is a bizarre practice
that is more in line with a middle ages aristocracy than modern day
America.
But aside from the process, Florida’s current system is a direct descendant from Jim Crow era laws meant to prevent black citizens from voting. And disproportionately, that’s what still happens to millions of potential voters who were non-violent offenders who have fulfilled the demands of our justice system. “Yes” on Amendment 4 is crucial."
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