The back and forth legal battle between Florida Republicans, the Florida Supreme Court, and Federal court has created confusion around who exactly is eligible to vote. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has created a straight forward eligibility guide detailing the process for determining if you can vote. Please note this handout is not intended as legal advice.
You can find it here:
In May 2020, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida ruled that Floridians with prior felony convictions are eligible to register to vote and vote even if they still owe money as a result of their felony convictions. This decision overrules a previous ruling by the Florida Supreme Court barring Floridians with prior felony convictions from voting.
In 2018, voters approved a ballot initiative known as Amendment 4. Amendment 4 restored the right to vote for people with prior felony convictions, with the exception of those convicted of murder or felony sexual offense. Months after the Amendment was adopted by voters, Florida Republicans passed legislation requiring people with prior felony convictions to pay any and all legal fees, fines, and restitution before being eligible to vote. They argued voters understood the language of the amendment to mean ex-offenders would be eligible once they had satisfied all conditions of their sentences, including paying back any fines or fees. Governor Ron DeSantis signed the legislation into law in June 2019.
Campaign Legal Center filed suit against the state, arguing the requirement to pay legal fines and fees amounted to a poll tax, which is illegal under the Twenty-Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Additionally, because the state lacks any kind of comprehensive system for determining what is owed, it is virtually impossible for ex-offenders to prove they are eligible to vote. The Florida Supreme Court sided with the state in January 2020 and the decision was appealed to Federal court. The case was litigated in May 2020 and the Federal appeals court overturned the law requiring payment of legal fees prior to being eligible to register to vote, allowing thousands of previously ineligible Floridians to register to vote.
If you or someone you know is now eligible to register to vote, you can register online at RegisterToVoteFlorida.gov. The deadline to register to vote is 29 days prior to an election. See below for upcoming Florida elections and voter registration deadlines:
- Florida Primary Election: August 18, 2020
- Registration Deadline for Florida Primary Election: July 20, 2020
- General Election: November 3, 2020
- Registration Deadline for General Election: October 5, 2020
Additionally, during the coronavirus pandemic, we encourage everyone to sign up to Vote By Mail. The deadline to request a mail-in ballot is 10 days prior to an election. Please see the Florida Division of Elections Vote By Mail website for more information.
If you are in Seminole County, you can sign up to Vote By Mail online at VoteSeminole.org. You can also make your request by phone at (407) 585-8683.