AMENDMENT 4-Voting Rights Restoration UPDATE:
On September 11, 2020, in a 6-4 ruling, the 11th Circuit of the US Appeals Court ruled in favor of Florida citing that people with felony convictions must pay off all fines and fees before voting. Approx. 700-800,000 returning citizens are affected by the ruling and most likely will be headed to the US Supreme Court. See statement by LWVFL:
https://www.lwvfl.org/league-of-women-voters-of-florida-responds-to-eleventh-circuit-pay-to-vote-ruling/
The Florida Rights Restoration Coalition (FRRC) initiated a fines and fees program last year for donations to assist returning citizens with their financial obligations. The LWVFL has also partnered with FRRC, training attorneys to offer pro bono legal assistance to help returning citizens regain their voting rights. For more information about FRRC visit: https://floridarrc.com/
On a positive note, it is estimated that approx. 500,000 of the 1.4 million returning citizens have no financial obligations and are clear to register and vote. The League has been reaching out to these individuals via postcard, text, phone banking, social media, and other sources to encourage returning citizens to exercise their right to vote and be heard! Check the weekly newsletter for ongoing volunteer opportunities!