Floridians with felony convictions can register to vote today
Floridians voted overwhelmingly in November for a state constitutional amendment restoring voting rights for ex-felons who have completed their sentences and were not convicted of murder or felony sexual offenses. And on Tuesday, the 1.4 million Floridians affected can officially register to vote.
But though elections offices will be accepting registrations, there may be trouble ahead over the exact legal definition of a completed sentence, said Paul Lux, elections supervisor in Okaloosa County and president of Florida's state association of elections supervisors. For example, would something like an outstanding court fee render an ex-felon voter ineligible to register?
"I haven't spoken to anyone who has plans to not register anyone," Lux told CNN, "but I wish we had better guidance."
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However the details work out, Tuesday could mark the beginning of a new era for Florida's infamously messy elections — but the results may be less clearcut than some expect: A Vox analysis of the voting habits of Floridians with felony convictions who have had their electoral rights restored in the past found voter participation in this demographic probably would not swing a statewide election.
