Florida on verge of blocking some ex-felons from voting. Critics call it a poll tax.

Florida lawmakers on Friday sent a bill to the governor that would require ex-felons to pay court-ordered restitution, various fees and fines before their voting rights can be restored — which critics have blasted as a"poll tax" that subverts the will of the people.

Gov. Ron DeSantis, a Republican, has supported the legislation and is likely to sign it into law. A representative for his office did not return a request for comment.Under the bill, felons are required to pay back all court fees and fines before they can register to vote. The bill also requires a local elections supervisor to verify whether a person who has been convicted of a felony offense and registers to vote has completed all the terms of his or her sentence.

"This will actually, physically impose financial barriers against voting; I don't think that’s the right solution," said Rep. Joe Geller, a Democrat, said Friday, according to the."Owing that money should not be related to whether or not you have a right in our system." Last year, Floridians voted to restore voting rights to those who served their time for felonies. But today, Florida's Senate votes on a bill that would instead create a modern-day poll tax, suppressing the vote of tens of thousands of Americans. This is unacceptable.Rep. James Grant, a Republican, said he was thinking about Amendment 6, which also passed last year to deal with restitution for crime victims, according to the Sun-Sentinel.

Except it doesnt. Pretty sure that's part of their 'debt to society' when they were accused and convicted of a crime.

I think pitbull GloriaEstefan official_flo backstreetboys NSYNC & all Florida based musicians and celebrities should have a benefit concert where all proceeds and money raised goes to a fund to pay these fines! FLRightsRestore ACLU ACLUFL

There's no such thing as an 'ex-felon,' just ones that have been released from jail.

'Critics have blasted,' 'opponents have decried,' and 'Democratic lawmakers excoriated' -- all used within the first five grafs. So it's really about how opponents feel about the bill, not its proponents or its rationale.

These critics... why do they want felons to vote? They voluntarily chose to lose their rights by committing crimes. If they aren’t bright enough to not run afoul of the law, maybe the vote is better off without them.

Similar to ACA repealed tax - it was in place to punish ppl for failing to abide by a law/requirement. Voting is not a requirement - it’s a privilege of being a citizen one that can be exercised or not. This is restitution on a crime to have that privilege restored.

You need to square up with society. They should be happy we voted to give Felons a second chance. I’m ok with voting again because the threat of losing your rights is a good deterrent to living a life of crime.

I a centrist support this bill strongly.

Good

Maybe there is some wealthy 1%-er that's willing to help out, or TheDemocrats could create a 'go fund-me' campaign that can help RESIST what stinkin' FL GOPers are doing?!!! If everyone gives a little we can defeat their obstructionist tactics!

moron liberal critics

Hopefully the people will remember at the next election. Politicians are to represent the people. Not to think they know better.

They really trying all they know to prohibit Blacks!

Legally, there can be no taxation without representation. Once you institute fees, another form of taxation, voting becomes automatic. I am not in any supporting either side but suggesting the implications as I see fit. I can be wrong!

horseshit

Well, it was bound to happen....

Not sure if that is a good idea but I am not in Florida so it's hard to say what they are thinking.

This is Florida! It is not the first time the legislative branches have ignored the vote of the people.

Republican’s don’t care about the will of the people! Anything to cheat to win

Illegal!

Welcome to Apartheid—American style!

Felons don't have the right to a vote according to 14A Sec 2.

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Florida legislators agree to limit felons’ voting rights. Critics call it a new poll tax.The measure would require felons to pay court-ordered financial obligations before they can cast a ballot. Critics said they would label Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) the “Jim Crow” governor if he signs the bill. Our ever so fair and impartial SCOTUS killed the voting rights act. Just watch how fast the segregationists bring back all the old rules; it'll make your head spin. Democrats are pandering to felons 👌 Constitutional?
Source: washingtonpost - 🏆 95. / 72 Read more »

Florida GOP moves to rein in felon voting rightsRepublicans in the country’s largest swing state moved to rein in the number of former felons allowed to cast ballots in next year’s presidential election Felons voting? I don’t think so...wake up Proving citizenship wouldn't hurt either. If you can't win fairly, Cheat!
Source: politico - 🏆 381. / 59 Read more »

Florida Bill Requires Felons Pay Fines Before Voting Rights RestoredSupporters of a divisive Florida bill say it will clarify an amendment that restored voting rights to people with felony convictions, while critics say the measure will exclude tens of thousands who should qualify to regain the vote It's a poll tax and it's unconstitutional. Well just a good excuse for parties to start non-profits to pay felon fines to get their votes! I'm for it!🤔🤷🏽‍♀️More than one way to skin a cat! That would be paying to vote which is unconstitutional.
Source: WSJ - 🏆 98. / 63 Read more »

Cory Booker swipes at Bernie Sanders over restoring voting rights for felons in prisonSen. Cory Booker on Monday called out Sen. Bernie Sanders over his support for restoring voting rights to convicted felons still serving prison time, drawing a rare explicit contrast with one of his 2020 rivals. At least dont let white collar criminals or murderers vote I thought he dropped out From across the Atlantic As long as the DEMENTED not voting after serving prison time! ... by the way: TREASON not punished with DEATH anymore?
Source: CNN - 🏆 4. / 95 Read more »