Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Guest AuthorJanuary 7, 2019

How was it possible for Amendment 4, the amendment restoring the voting rights of former felons, to get 64.55 percent of the vote in Florida? All statewide partisan races were close. Clearly, this vote was not partisan. I think the reason is one basic human instinct. Redemption. Americans believe in second chances. They believe in […]

Danny McAuliffeDecember 19, 2018

Leon County Supervisor of Elections Mark Earley will begin implementing Amendment 4 in January, apparently circumventing Gov.-elect Ron DeSantis‘ desire to wait until after the upcoming Legislative Session. The measure, approved by voters in November, gives voting rights back to certain felons who’ve completed their sentences. DeSantis told the Palm Beach Post last week that […]

Guest AuthorDecember 11, 2018

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It’s not just the 1.4 million convicted felons whose rights were restored by Amendment 4 that need a review on voting. Given the political turmoil in the Sunshine State during the November election, we should all refresh our voter knowledge before the next political campaign season. And, we should prepare for a renewed spotlight on […]

Guest AuthorNovember 27, 2018

Floridians just made history by restoring voting rights to over 1.4 million people with prior felony convictions who completed their sentences. With the passage of Amendment 4, Florida approved the largest re-enfranchisement of voters in the United States in over five decades and dealt a significant blow against the racist holdover policies of the Jim […]

Danny McAuliffeNovember 7, 2018

Floridians have passed Amendment 4, which provides for the automatic restoration of voting rights to nonviolent felons who’ve completed their sentences. The margin of victory as of 9 p.m. Tuesday was 64 percent-36 percent, with at least 60 percent needed to pass. Currently, Florida is one of just three states with a “lifetime voting ban for people with […]

Ryan NicolNovember 6, 2018

On Election Day, as the polls close, the after-parties begin. Candidates — along with nearly everyone else in America — will be glued to their screens Tuesday night for election results. In the end, win or lose, there will be a party. Some will celebrate a hard-fought victory, while others will be a bit more […]

Jacob OglesNovember 5, 2018

New attack ads criticize state Senate candidate Rob Levy for supporting Amendment 4. The problem? Most polling shows that referendum cruising to passage on Tuesday. “Senate candidate Ron Levy wants convicted felons to vote,” blares a headline on a mailer from the Florida Republican Senatorial Campaign Committee. Amendment 4, if passed, will automatically restore voting […]

Staff ReportsNovember 5, 2018

Amendment 4, one of the highest-profile and best-publicized amendments Florida voters are considering, is on track to pass. That’s according to a survey out Monday by the Haas Institute for a Fair and Inclusive Society at California-Berkeley. The poll showed 65 percent of likely voters backing the amendment with 25 percent opposed, consistent with recent polling from […]

A.G. GancarskiNovember 5, 2018

Another day brings another celebrity with a global profile backing Democrat Andrew Gillum for Florida Governor. Sunday’s big get, announced via Instagram: icon Rihanna. “FLORIDA: You have the opportunity to make history this election. The US has only had four black Governors in its entire history,” Rihanna urged, “and we can help make #AndrewGillum the next one and […]

Jacob OglesNovember 4, 2018

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The Rev. Al Sharpton travels to Miami today to promote the restoration of felons’ voting rights and rally voters to the polls. The noted civil rights voice and founding president of the National Action Network gets an early start today. He’ll be at Antioch Missionary Baptist Church of Miami Gardens for service at 7 a.m. Then […]

Tag: Amendment 4
Lake Mary’s team celebrates in the eighth inning of the Little League World Series Championship game against Taiwan. Florida won in eight innings 2-1. Image via AP.

Jon Mills: Redemption

Leon County will register ex-cons to vote before next Legislative Session

Sean Pittman: Not just felons need a second chance at voting

Thomas Kennedy: Automatic voter registration should be a priority in Florida

Florida approves automatic restoration of voting rights to felons

It’s not the party … it’s the after party! A rundown of where South Florida candidates will be on election night

Direct mail round-up: Republicans attack Rob Levy for supporting popular Amendment 4

Floridians will restore voting rights to ex-cons, another poll says

‘Make history this election’: Rihanna backs Andrew Gillum, Amendment 4

Al Sharpton campaigning Sunday in Miami congregations for Amendment 4