What is Amendment 4?
On November 6, 2018, Florida voters passed Amendment 4 - Voting Rights Restoration. This amendment "restores the voting rights of Floridians with felony convictions after they complete all terms of their sentence including parole or probation. The amendment does not apply tothose convicted of murder or sexual offenses."
What does the passage of Amendment 4 mean for convicted felons who were previously deemed ineligible to register to vote or never registered to vote?
Effective January 8, 2019, convicted felons who meet the requirements of Amendment 4 (those who have completed all terms of their sentence, including parole and probation, and were not convicted of murder or sexual offenses) are eligible to register to vote. Forinformation on standards governing eligibility to vote after a felony conviction, visit the Florida Division of Electionsweb page onConstitutional Amendment 4/Felon Voting Rights.
How does someone know if their voting rights have been restored?
The following Florida agencies have resources to assist applicants in verifying sentencing obligations:
- Florida Rights Restoration Coalition: (877) 698-6830
- Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller in the county where sentenced:Marion County Clerk - (352) 671-5604
- Florida Department of Corrections where supervised or incarcerated:(850) 488-5021
If a voter was removed from the voter roll due to a felony conviction, will he/she be automatically re-registered to vote?
No. Newly eligible voters who have previously been removed from the voter rolls due to a felony conviction must re-register. State law requires all voters to be registered at least 29 days before an election.
Applicants may register to vote:
- Online at RegistertoVoteFlorida.gov (requires a Florida DL or ID card and the last four digits of your SSN)
- By Mail (print and complete the Florida Voter Registration Application (English PDF/ Español PDF) and mail it to our office no later than 29 days prior to Election Day to be valid for the upcoming election)
- At the Marion County Supervisor of Elections office: 981 NE 16th Street, Ocala, FL 34470
- At any voter registration agency (such as a Tax Collector’s Office or Public Library)
How will the Supervisor of Elections office handle voter registration applications now?
Under this new law, the role of the Supervisor of Elections remains the same. If the voter affirms they meet all qualifications, we will register them.
It is the applicant’s responsibility to affirm that all information submitted on the voter registration application is true [Florida Statute 97.053(5)(a)8].
After an applicant applies to register to vote, what happens next?
Within a few weeks of registering, the applicant should receive a Voter Information Card in the mail. Once registered, it is the voter’s responsibility to keep their registration up to date. Voters can update their information anytime by completing and submitting a Florida Voter Registration Application.
Click here to download a PDF version of this page (English/Spanish)
As an expert in civic rights and legislative reforms, I have a comprehensive understanding of the intricacies surrounding Amendment 4, particularly its implications on voting rights restoration for convicted felons in Florida. My expertise in this area stems from extensive research, analysis of legal documents, and keeping abreast of developments in the field of voting rights and criminal justice reforms up until my last update in January 2023.
Amendment 4, which was passed by Florida voters on November 6, 2018, is a pivotal legislation that restores the voting rights of individuals with felony convictions once they complete all aspects of their sentence, including parole or probation, except for those convicted of murder or sexual offenses. This amendment was designed to re-enfranchise a significant portion of the population in Florida and allow them to participate in the democratic process.
The key points and concepts related to Amendment 4 and its implementation are as follows:
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Amendment 4 Overview: It restores the voting rights of Floridians with felony convictions upon completion of their sentence, excluding individuals convicted of murder or sexual offenses.
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Eligibility Criteria: Convicted felons who have fulfilled all terms of their sentence, including parole and probation, and were not convicted of murder or sexual offenses are eligible to register to vote as of January 8, 2019.
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Verification of Voting Rights Restoration: Individuals can verify their eligibility through various resources, including the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition, the Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller in the county where sentenced, and the Florida Department of Corrections where supervised or incarcerated.
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Re-registration: Previously ineligible voters removed from the voter rolls due to felony convictions must re-register. State law mandates registration at least 29 days before an election.
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Methods of Voter Registration: Eligible individuals can register online at RegistertoVoteFlorida.gov, through mail by completing the Florida Voter Registration Application, or in person at designated voter registration agencies like Tax Collector’s Offices or Public Libraries.
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Supervisor of Elections' Role: The Supervisor of Elections continues to oversee the registration process, requiring applicants to affirm their qualifications. The applicant is responsible for the accuracy of the information provided.
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After Registration: Once registered, applicants should receive a Voter Information Card by mail. It is the voter’s responsibility to keep their information updated by submitting a Florida Voter Registration Application when necessary.
Understanding these concepts is crucial for individuals seeking to navigate the process of restoring their voting rights in Florida under Amendment 4, ensuring full compliance with the law and the opportunity to participate in the electoral process.
