Florida’s Amendment 4, a ballot initiative passed in 2018, restored voting rights to most Floridians with felony convictions after they completed their sentences, excluding those convicted of murder or felony sex offenses. This represented a significant shift in Florida’s electoral landscape, as previously, those with felony convictions were permanently disenfranchised unless they received clemency from the governor and cabinet. The outcome of any given election cycle following this amendment’s passage, therefore, reflects the impact of expanded voter participation.
Re-enfranchisement offered a pathway for civic reintegration and enhanced democratic participation for a substantial portion of the population previously excluded from the electoral process. Historically, felony disenfranchisement laws disproportionately affected minority communities. Restoring voting rights addressed this historical inequity and aimed to create a more inclusive electorate. Analyzing outcomes in elections post-Amendment 4 provides insights into the impact of this significant policy change on voter turnout, candidate selection, and political platforms.