In Florida, a person convicted of a felony loses their right to vote. This is true even if they have completed their sentence and are no longer on probation or parole. The following is excerpted from the Florida Constitution:
(a) Any person who has been convicted of a felony in this state or any other jurisdiction, and whose civil rights have not been restored by executive pardon or by clemency granted by the Board of Executive Clemency or its successor agency under s. 947.14, shall not vote or hold office until restoration of civil rights under procedures established in general law. This subsection shall not apply to a person convicted of a felony whose sentence is reduced to a misdemeanor by any means provided by law.
(b) Any person who has been convicted of a felony under the laws of the United States, and whose civil rights have not been restored by executive pardon or as otherwise provided by federal law, shall not vote until restoration of those rights as provided in general law.
Restoration of Voting Rights Lost Due to Conviction
In November 2018, nearly 65 percent of Florida voters approved Amendment 4, a constitutional amendment that automatically restored voting rights to most Floridians with past convictions who had completed the terms of their sentence. Before November 6th, Florida was one of just three states to impose a lifetime ban on felons exercising the franchise.
The only way to regain voting rights is through a process called “restoration of civil rights.”Voting rights are restored automatically upon completion of the sentence if the offense was non-violent. For people convicted of a violent felony, voting rights must be restored by the Board of Executive Clemency.
The restoration of the civil rights process is overseen by the Florida Commission on Offender Review. To be eligible for restoration, an offender must complete all terms of their sentence, including any probation or parole. They must also pay all fines, restitution, and court costs associated with their case.
Once an offender has met these requirements, they can apply to the Commission. The Commission will review the application and make a recommendation to the Governor and Cabinet. The Governor and Cabinet have the final say on whether or not an offender’s voting rights will be restored.
The eligibility requirements to restore voting rights are found in the Florida Constitution and Florida Statutes. See specifically, section 4, Article VI, Fla. Const., and section 98.0751, Fla. Stat.
How Do I Know if my Voting Rights Have Been Restored?
If you are unsure if your voting rights have been restored, you can contact the Florida Commission on Offender Review. They will be able to tell you if you are eligible to vote and provide you with the necessary paperwork.
You can also contact your local Supervisor of Elections. They will be able to tell you if you are registered to vote and provide you with information on where your polling place is located.
I’ve Been Convicted of a Felony, How Do I Restore My Voting Rights?
If you have been convicted of a felony and want to restore your voting rights, you will need to complete the following steps:
1) Complete all terms of your sentence, including any probation or parole.
2) Pay all fines, restitution, and court costs associated with your case.
3) Submit an application to the Florida Commission on Offender Review.
4) The Commission will review your application and make a recommendation to the Governor and Cabinet.
5) The Governor and Cabinet will review your application and make a final decision on whether or not to restore your voting rights.
What Happens if My Application is Denied?
If your application for restoration of civil rights is denied, you can reapply after one year. You will need to provide the Commission with new information that demonstrates your commitment to rehabilitation.
It is important to remember that the restoration of civil rights is a lengthy and difficult process. However, it is important to remember that all people have the right to vote. Loss of voting rights should not be seen as a punishment, but as a way to ensure that everyone has a say in the democratic process.
How Do I Know if My Voting Rights Have Been Restored?
f you do not know the status of your sentencing terms, the agencies listed below can help you.
Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller (in the county where sentenced)
Florida Department of Corrections
Florida Commission on Offender Review, Office of Executive Clemency
Florida Department of State, Division of Elections
My Voting Rights Have Been Restored. What Should I Do?
If your voting rights have been restored, you should register to vote as soon as possible. You can contact your local Supervisor of Elections to find out how to register. Visit the voter registration page for information on how to register.
You can also contact the Florida Division of Elections at 1-800-448-4827. They will be able to provide you with registration forms and answer any questions you may have about the process.
I Still Have Questions, Who Can I Contact?
If you have any questions about the restoration of the civil rights process, you can contact the Florida Commission on Offender Review at 1-850-487-1395.