There are approximately 1.7 million Floridians whose right to vote has been stripped away: ex-felons. The disenfranchisement of felons in the state has silenced the voices of such a huge number of citizens that it impacts the balance of power in Florida and beyond.

The issue of restoring voting rights to ex-felons should not be a matter of lengthy debate, it is relatively rare in other democracies. Those against felon voting rights are basically saying they want a government that sends a message that even a lifetime of attempted redemption and good deeds can’t erase a past error. The truth is, felons have as much right as any other citizen to cast votes. Denying them this right is discrimination of the first order.

According to Article 1 Section 2 of the constitution of the State of Florida:

“All natural persons, female and male alike, are equal before the law and have inalienable rights, … No person shall be deprived of any right because of race, religion, national origin, or physical disability”.

The reality has not matched the rhetoric. The New York Times is an exclusive media company that serves as a major informant in the world of journalism. On October 8, 2018, the New York Times published an ‘opinion video’ titled, “Why Florida’s ex-felons should be given the right to vote” on this exact subject.

The video lasts about four minutes. Take a look!