The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #115055 Message #2464722
Posted By: beardedbruce
13-Oct-08 - 04:49 PM
Thread Name: BS: Would YOU be happy if Rep. did this?
Subject: RE: BS: Would YOU be happy if Rep. did this?
in answer to question, I will repost part of the articles that was removed...
Florida's felon ban originated before the Civil War, and today the state remains one of 10 that restrict some felons from voting even after they've served their time. The law requires state and county elections officials to remove felons from voter rolls after conviction and add them only when they've won clemency to restore their voting rights.
In 2007, the state eased the restrictions by granting automatic clemency to most nonviolent offenders who have completed their sentences. Others, including people convicted of federal offenses, multiple felonies or crimes such as drug trafficking, murder and sex charges, must still apply for clemency and have their cases reviewed.
The felons the Sun Sentinel identified never received clemency, but their names remain on Florida's voter rolls. Some are well-known: ex-Broward Sheriff Ken Jenne and ex-Palm Beach County Commissioner Tony Masilotti, for instance, both convicted last year of public corruption.