Florida's Disenfranchisement Push

Felons fight for their democratic rights

Florida's Disenfranchisement Push In Florida, convicted felons are barred from voting for life, a legacy of the state's 1865 constitution. This November, Floridians will vote on whether to change this. Emotions are running high.
Demetrius Jifunza spent four years in prison for armed robbery. 22 years later, he is married with three children and studying for a master’s degree in mental health, but his conviction means that he is permanently barred from voting. “I made a mistake when I was 17 years old… I just wanna ask if I can have my rights back.” In November, Floridians will vote on Amendment 4, which would automatically restore the right to vote for people with prior convictions. Neil Volz, political director of the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition, believes that the amendment is long overdue. “When a debt is paid, it’s paid.” But for conservative campaigner Richard Harrison, the Amendment's blanket legislation is bad news. “It doesn't treat property crime any differently than somebody who shoots a liquor store clerk in a robbery.”
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