FL Felons May Get Chance to Vote: 11th Circuit Court of Appeals Rules

[flpoljunkie]

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/state/orl-locfelons20122003dec20,1,6362937,print.story?coll=orl-home-headlines

Felons may get chance to vote
By Maya Bell
Sentinel Miami Bureau

December 20, 2003

MIAMI -- In a significant but intermediate decision, a federal appeals court ruled Friday that Floridians with felony convictions in their past should have a chance to challenge the state's denial of their voting rights.

The 11th Circuit Court of Appeals in Atlanta decided that more than 600,000 felons in a class-action lawsuit can take to trial their claim that the ban, contained in Florida's Constitution, is historically rooted in racism and continues to discriminate against blacks today.

<> In a split 2-1 decision, the appellate panel reversed a ruling by U.S. District Judge James Lawrence King in Miami that dismissed the constitutional challenge last year. In July 2002, King concluded that there were no material facts in dispute and that the state was entitled to a judgment in its favor without a trial.

<> Florida is among only seven states in the nation that do not automatically restore the voting rights of felons who have completed their sentences. Under Florida law, former felons can win back their rights only if they successfully apply to the governor and Cabinet, sitting as the Executive Clemency Board.

...more...

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Now the question is, will there be time for these disenfranchised felons who have completed their sentences, to have their day in court in time for the 2004 election?

[XanaDUer]

1. Great article!

Thanks for putting it up.

[Party of the People]

2. We'll just see what Diebold has to say about that!

:eyes: :spank:

[newyawker99]

3. Hi Party of the People!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast: