Florida Republicans, led by Gov. Ron DeSantis, are arguing before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit that only felons who have completed all conditions of their sentences should be allowed to vote.
At issue before the appellate court is a ballot measure approved by voters in 2018, allowing felons to regain the right to vote ahead of the March 17 primaries and November’s crucial presidential balloting.
“This Court’s answer to that question will have far-reaching effects, as it will determine whether the State must comply with the court’s injunction in upcoming elections of national, state, and local significance in 2020,” according to Florida’s brief.
DeSantis and GOP lawmakers contend that to regain the right to vote, felons must not only serve their time but also pay all fines and other legal financial obligations.