SHALIMAR — The Okaloosa County Supervisor of Elections offices are preparing for the Jan. 8 enactment of Amendment 4, which is the Voting Restoration Amendment that Florida voters approved in last month’s general election.

Both offices will be accepting new voter registration applications, including applications by former convicted felons who will be eligible to register beginning Jan. 8, according to a press release from the Supervisor of Elections.

A majority of convicted felons in Florida who have completed their sentences, including parole and probation, will be eligible to have their voting rights automatically restored on Jan. 8. Those convicted of murder or sexual offenses will not be eligible unless the governor and Cabinet vote to restore their voting rights through the clemency process currently in place.

Voters who have previously been removed from the voter rolls due to a felony conviction must re-register after the date of restoration on Jan. 8. Any applications received prior to Jan. 8 will be processed according to the law currently on the books and may not be eligible.

Individuals who are unsure of their status should contact the clerk of circuit court in the county where they were sentenced or the Florida Department of Corrections where they were supervised or incarcerated. Individuals may search or apply for restoration of civil rights through the Florida Commission on Offender Review, Office of Executive Clemency.

The Okaloosa County Supervisor of Elections will continue voter registration and education efforts, as well as provide support to community groups and third party voter registration organizations, to encourage and assist individuals who will become newly eligible following the Jan. 8 effective date.

For more information, call the Okaloosa County Supervisor of Elections at (850) 689-5600 or 651-7272.