Floridians to decide if ex-felons can vote

A measure approved for this fall’s general election ballot would restore voting rights for many felons after they complete their sentences and any probation or parole.

Florida voters will decide this fall if 1.5 million felons will get their voting rights back.

Floridians for Fair Democracy, led by Desmond Meade of Orlando, successfully gathered more than 799,000 certified signatures in their years-long petition drive, just a week before the deadline to reach the required total of about 766,000. Because of that, the state on Tuesday certified the initiative for the Nov. 6 ballot.

If approved by 60 percent of voters, the amendment would restore voting rights to Floridians with felony convictions after they fully complete their sentences, including parole or probation. Those convicted of murder or sexual offenses would continue to be barred from voting.

“The moment I found out, tears just started streaming down my face,” said Meade, a former addict convicted on drug and firearm charges in 2001. Though he went on to earn a law degree, he could not vote for his wife, Sheena, in her bid for the Florida state House in 2016. “As someone directly impacted, I cannot quantify the level of emotion moving through me right now.”

If the amendment becomes law, it could have a huge effect on elections in a state as evenly split politically as Florida. Gov. Rick Scott was elected and re-elected by margins of less than 65,000 votes, while President Donald