A.G. Gancarski
With vote-by-mail underway and early in-person voting just a week away, the Second Chances Campaign announced a $5 million broadcast ad buy Monday.
The pro-Amendment 4 group’s television and radio spots will include personal stories from reformed felons who are still denied spent, and from experts in favor of restoring civil rights for those who have done their time.
“We are excited to share stories with people all across Florida as we approach the start of early voting in Florida,” stated Floridians for a Fair Democracy Campaign Manager Jackie Lee.
“Floridians from all walks of life have been energized by this grassroots campaign,” Lee added, “and with this ad buy we are bringing the message of second chances to voters across the state.”
These messages include stories of Alan Rhyelle, a Vietnam veteran with a Purple Heart but no right to vote due to being convicted of cannabis possession, as well as former Assistant State Attorney Gary Winston of Miami-Dade County.
Of the nearly $5 million, over $500,000 will go to a Spanish language TV buy, and $700,000 will go to what the media release calls “radio stations serving minority communities.”
The spots will be live in every media market in the state, and the hope is that they help continue the momentum established in recent polling that shows Amendment 4 on track to pass with 71 percent support.
2 comments
Michael McGrew
October 16, 2018 at 3:51 pm
What happened to the process of restoring civil rights for most offenders? Didn’t Charlie Crist make this an automatic thing after a time period (5 years I believe it is) Why are you claiming that convicted felons are not eligible to vote. If they have their civil rights restored, then they can vote…
Daniel Ospina
October 16, 2018 at 8:35 pm
Florida is one of only 4 states where convicted felons don’t automatically regain the right to vote after completing their sentencing. The only way they can get it back is if the governor and his cabinet convene and decide to grant them clemency, which they can deny for any reason or no reason whatsoever. Here are a few links that explain it very well..
https://ballotpedia.org/Florida_Amendment_4,_Voting_Rights_Restoration_for_Felons_Initiative_(2018)
Comments are closed.