Backers of a proposed constitutional amendment that could allow former criminals to vote have met a key hurdle in their quest to make the ballot. State election officials this week reported that amendment supporters have gathered nearly 71,000 signatures from registered voters. This means the initiative will be reviewed by Attorney General Pam Bondi and the Supreme Court of Florida. Florida’s constitution bars people convicted of felonies from being able to vote after they have left prison. Convicted felons must ask the governor and members of the Cabinet to have their voting rights restored.
The amendment would allow most convicted felons to have their voting rights automatically restored after they have completed their prison sentences and probation. Felons convicted of murder or a sexual offense would not be eligible.
Amendment supporters are aiming to place the amendment on the 2018 ballot.
Source: Amendment to restore voting rights to Florida felons clears key hurdle | Tampa Bay Times.