The Organization Helping Past Felons Finally Vote in Florida

Photo from Florida Rights Restoration Coalition FB page.

The Florida GOP is a group of feckless, lying, cheating bastards who are doing everything they can to steal the 2020 election.

Let me elucidate that statement: In 2018 Florida citizens voted to pass Amendment 4 which was “designed to automatically restore the right to vote for people with prior felony convictions, except those convicted of murder or a felony sexual offense, upon completion of their sentences. Sentences include prison, parole, and probation.”

This was one of the largest voter enfranchisements since the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s. But the GOP realizing that this meant millions of voters who will most likely vote for Democrats, pulled some shady-ass shit. The GOP controlled Legislature passed Senate Bill 7066, which defined “all terms” to include all financial obligations. This meant that past felons must pay back all court-ordered fees and fines before registering to vote.

Considering the astronomical costs inflicted on people experiencing our criminal justice system, this has made it very difficult for people to actually get their right to vote back. Especially considering how hard it is for people exiting prison to get well paying jobs.

That’s where We Got The Vote comes in. At the time of publication, this initiative from the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition  has raised $3,787,624 to pay off this debt, helping thousands of people regain their right to vote. And they are hoping you’ll kick in some money to help towards that goal. Here’s what they have to say:

We at the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition, as returning citizens ourselves, know first-hand how financial hardships can prevent people from fully engaging in their communities. So we created a fund to help returning citizens with outstanding fines and fees complete their sentence and move forward with their lives. 100% of your tax-deductible donation will go to those who have completed incarceration and probation but still have to complete financial portions of their sentence. Please give whatever you can and help us spread the word!

Right now they’ve only raised 32% of their goal of $10 million, so they obviously need all of our help. The good news is that not only will you be helping restore a crucial right to millions of Americans, you’ll be helping to defeat Donald Trump and the cowardly GOP at the same time. Plus you’ll be in good company, LeBron James has already donated $100k to the cause.

So donate right here and learn how to volunteer right here.