Should Felons Have to Pay Fines Before Voting?

What’s the story?

• Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) signed a bill into law that requires felons to pay any outstanding court fines or fees before they cast a ballot.
• Last November, voters in the Sunshine State approved a constitutional amendment that would restore voting rights to over 1 million felons. The amendment, which excluded those convicted of murder and felony sexual offenses, said that “voting rights shall be restored upon completion of all terms of sentence including parole or probation."
• After signing the new bill into law, DeSantis said in a statement that it "confirms that the amendment does not apply to a felon who has failed to complete all the terms of his sentence."
•  The American Civil Liberties Union has filed a lawsuit against a requirement that it describes as creating "two classes of returning citizens: a group wealthy enough to afford their voting rights and another group who cannot afford to vote."

What do you think?

Should felons have to pay fees and fines before voting? Take action and tell your reps, then share your thoughts below.

—Josh Herman

(Photo Credit: iStock / viavado)