Center for Popular Democracy Celebrates Qualification Of Florida Restoration Of Rights Ballot
“This is a game-changing initiative,” says national community organizing network
01.23.2018
NEW YORK – In response to news that an amendment to restore the voting rights of ex-offenders had qualified for Florida’s November ballot, the Center for Popular Democracy released the following statement from Emma Greenman, Director of Voting Rights and Democracy:
“We’re thrilled to hear that Florida voters will have a chance to cast their votes on the Second Chances Voting Restoration Amendment this November. This is a game-changing initiative that will restore the right to vote to 1.5 million Floridians and allow them to fully participate in their communities.
This victory speaks to the power of local grassroots organizing. Volunteers, voters and communities across the state in the Second Chances Florida Coalition signed and submitted more than a million petitions to put the Second Chances Voting Restoration Amendment on the November ballot. Community groups including Organize Florida and New Florida Majority, both affiliates of the Center for Popular Democracy, mobilized thousands of volunteers who talked to their neighbors and canvassed their community to galvanize a community-led movement that can fight for all Floridians to have access to the right to vote.
The grassroots movement is led by people directly impacted by Florida’s ban on voting for Floridians with prior felony convictions. Florida has the nation’s most restrictive voting policies for people with prior felony convictions and is one of only four states with a lifetime ban on voting. But today is an exciting next step to changing that so that Floridians who have done their time and paid their debts can participate and give back to their communities. We look forward to working with organizing groups in Florida to pass this ballot initiative and ensure all Floridians have a voice in their democracy.”
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Center for Popular Democracy promotes equity, opportunity, and a dynamic democracy in partnership with innovative base-building organizations, organizing networks and alliances, and progressive unions across the country. CPD builds the strength and capacity of democratic organizations to envision and advance a pro-worker, pro-immigrant, racial justice agenda
