Well said ,Roger. We cannot let the bureaucrats rest as long as the RSO problems exist without any common sense application or solution. Silence to a bureaucrat means approval of their actions…or lack thereof.

Very good point!

Another note on amendment 4: A few months ago, the Jacksonville paper stated that by leaving off the two subgroups, that is going to eventually lead to calls of discrimination.

If the newly enfranchised voters voted in favor of a subsequent amendment that included all, I could see that tack having a greater chance of success at achieving the end goal of equality in voting rights restoration. Perhaps some networking within those communities which have seen the most benefit from “step 1” could help encourage more support. They, if anyone, should understand and appreciate the significance of granting voting rights restoration to all.

SarahF I was told the same thing by someone who works very closely with Mr Meade I was also told certain political figures refused to support the amendment if it included those two sub groups not because they were considered overly dangerous ( they are aware of the stats proving otherwise)but they didn’t want to draw the ire of victims rights groups thereby committing what they see as political suicide. Let’s hope either the registry is struck down as being unconstitutional or education becomes king and promises are kept

Sarah, informative reply. Thanks. I look forward to being able to vote once again…after serving my country in the military for 29 years.

Just a note on this subject: I recently read that when the amendment was being written, polls were showing that if murderers and those on the registry were included, the amendment was barely passing with the 60% requirement. Some authors of the amendment wanted to include everyone but felt it was just too close. Taking out the murders and registrants gave the amendment at better chance of achieving the 60% vote. One of the authors was quoted as saying this was just the first step in returning voting rights to Florida citizens. Eventually the plan is to try to bring the two subgroups left out back into the group of Floridians who are eligible to vote.

I am not saying that I agree with their strategy but hope they carry through on their promise.