The Florida Rights Restoration Coalition (FRRC), which sponsored the voter-approved Amendment 4 in 2018, filed litigation in federal court on July 19, 2023, alleging that the state’s implementation of the amendment is preventing eligible voters from voting and intimidating voters. FRRC stated that the state’s implementation is unconstitutional and illegal under the Voting Rights Act.
Florida Amendment 4 was designed to automatically restore the right to vote for people with prior felony convictions, except those convicted of murder or a felony sexual offense, upon completion of their sentences, including prison, parole, and probation. It was approved with 64.55% in favor and 35.45% opposed.
Defendants named in the lawsuit include Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R), Secretary of State Cord Byrd (R), Secretary of Corrections Ricky Dixon, supervisors of elections, and county clerks.
