Paulson said many crimes, such as driving with a revoked license or trespassing on a construction site, are felonies in Florida instead of being considered lesser misdemeanors as they are elsewhere, increasing the number of people affected. In addition, about 20 percent of the state's African-American population, more than half a million people, are unable to vote because of a past felony conviction, including more than 30 percent of all voter-eligible black men in Florida.