Judge Calls Florida Felon Voting Law a "Nightmare"

TALLAHASSEE -- A federal judge called Florida's new law on felon voting rights an "administrative nightmare" and questioned whether part of it was designed to discourage people from registering to vote.

The law, passed after the voters enacted Amendment Four last year, requires felons to pay restitution,fines and fees before winning back voting rights.

The American Civil Liberties Union sued the state on behalf of plaintiffs who argue that linking those payments to voting creates a poll tax, violating the 24th Amendment.

The plaintiffs also argue that the state can't consistently apply the law because of record-keeping problems and a lack of guidance from Governor Ron DeSantis' administration.

Judge Robert Hinkle also questioned a new voter registration form, saying some who are eligible to vote because their rights were restored in other states could not fill it out in a way that would allow them to cast a ballot.

Information from the News Service of Florida was used in this report.

Photo Credit: Getty Images


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