AMENDMENT 4 COURT RULING

The Florida Supreme Court has issued a ruling regarding Amendment 4, which restores voting rights to Floridians with felony convictions. The Justices said completing all terms of sentence means felons must pay court-ordered fees, fines and restitution before regaining their voting rights. An estimated 80 percent of Florida felons have outstanding legal financial obligations, leaving them ineligible to vote until these debts are paid. The American Civil Liberties Union said the U.S. Constitution prohibits making voting rights contingent on the payment of taxes. The 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals will consider the case starting January 28th.