‘Walk the Vote’ event in Fort Lauderdale draws a crowd

By Wayne K. Roustan

FORT LAUDERDALE — For first-time voter Gary McDonald, casting a ballot in the 2020 general election was a long time coming.

The 45-year-old ex-felon, who had his voting rights restored under Florida’s Amendment 4, was among a group of more than 100 people who marched Saturday in Fort Lauderdale as part of the nationwide “Walk the Vote” campaign.

The rally in Broward County was one of more than 18 being held in swing states across the U.S. to encourage in-person, early voting ahead of Election Day.

“We need as many Black people [and] young people to get out and vote,” said McDonald. “I’m out here to march with them...and to spread awareness.”

The marchers carried signs reading “Let My People Vote” and “Free The Vote” as they walked along Sistrunk Boulevard, with a police escort from Lincoln Park to the African-American Research Library and Cultural Center at Reverend Samuel Delevoe Memorial Park.

Beverly Rutherford brought two of her young grandchildren along. Rutherford said that, in addition to being a registered voter, she’s been involved in the Voting Rights Restoration for Felons Initiative for nearly two decades.

“My husband, my nephew, a host of family members and friends are impacted by this state and the antiquated laws,” she said. “I believe that we have to stand up now because too many young people have lost the right to vote even before they are old enough to vote.”

Amendment 4, which was passed in Florida in 2018, was designed to restore voting rights for felons — except those convicted of murder or a felony sexual offense — upon completion of their sentences.

The amendment restored voting rights to an estimated $1.4 million ex-felons, including McDonald. In September, a federal court ruled that felons cannot vote in Florida if they owe fines or fees.

“It’s heartbreaking we have to go through this,” he said. “None of it makes sense, but that’s what we’re dealing with, especially if we’re Black.”

Wayne K. Roustan can be reached at wkroustan@ sunsentinel.com or 561379-6119 or on Twitter @ WayneRoustan