Florida’s 2018 ballot included a proposed constitutional revision concerning voting rights restoration for felons. This measure sought to automatically restore voting eligibility to individuals with prior felony convictions, excluding those convicted of murder or felony sex offenses, upon completion of their sentences, including parole or probation.
The outcome of this vote significantly impacted Florida’s electorate and sparked substantial debate about voting rights, criminal justice reform, and civic reintegration. Its passage represented a pivotal moment in the ongoing national conversation about felon disenfranchisement and its potential consequences for democratic participation and social equity. Understanding the historical context of felon disenfranchisement laws, particularly in the American South, provides crucial background for interpreting the significance of this ballot initiative.