Florida voters approved a ballot measure Tuesday to restore automatically the voting rights of felons who have completed their sentences.

The measure will reinstate the voting rights of 1.2 million Floridians with felony convictions after completing their sentences, probation and restitution. Previously, felons were required to wait five years after finishing their sentences before applying to vote.

There are exceptions. Felons convicted of murder or sexual offenses will be excluded from the automatic voter restoration but will be able to apply to the state clemency board to have their rights restored.

The measure drew support from such odd political bedfellows as the American Civil Liberties Union and the Koch-backed Freedom Partners.

Gov. Rick Scott, a Republican, opposed the measure, arguing that felons should have to complete a process before having their rights re-established. Sen. Bill Nelson, a Democrat, supported the amendment.

Sign up for Daily Newsletters Manage Newsletters

Copyright © 2020 The Washington Times, LLC. Click here for reprint permission.