The topic of voting rights for individuals with felony convictions has gained traction since Donald Trump, the Republican presidential candidate, was convicted in May on 34 counts of falsifying business records.

While millions of Americans face restrictions on their voting rights due to felony convictions, Trump currently does not face such limitations. This is because Florida, where he resides, follows the voting eligibility laws of the state where an individual was convicted.

Since Trump was convicted in New York, and that state allows felons who are not incarcerated to vote, he will be able to participate in the November elections.

In stark contrast, many potential voters in Florida are not as lucky. The restoration of civil rights, including voting rights, in Florida only occurs once a sentence is fully served. In some states, like Maine and Vermont, individuals can still vote in presidential elections while incarcerated.

Over 4 Million Americans Can’t Vote Due to Convictions

Currently, over 4 million Americans are unable to vote due to felony convictions.

While I acknowledge that doing the crime mandates doing the time, it is crucial to note that many individuals barred from voting have already finished their sentences but still can’t cast a ballot due to unrestored civil rights.

States like Florida and Alabama, which have stringent laws, experience significant rates of voter disenfranchisement. In Florida alone, over 1 million people have been stripped of their voting rights, including numerous individuals who are unable to vote because they cannot pay associated court fees or restitution.

Even after Florida voters approved Amendment 4 in 2018, restoring civil rights for those who have completed their sentences isn’t always straightforward.

Desmond Meade, president and executive director of the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition, pointed out that many individuals with past convictions hesitate to vote due to misunderstandings about their legal rights.

“Individuals with felony convictions often don’t vote because they are unsure of their eligibility and fear potential arrest,” Meade explained.

He described the loss of civil rights, including voting rights, as dehumanizing. “It feels like wearing a scarlet letter. I couldn’t even take the bar exam until my civil rights were restored, despite being a law school graduate.”

The Impact of Voter Disenfranchisement on Elections

Meade emphasized that disenfranchising individuals with felony convictions is a contemporary method of voter suppression that undermines the political strength of specific demographic groups and can distort electoral outcomes.

When I inquired whether Trump’s felony conviction could lead to changes if he is reelected, Meade expressed hope: “If Trump gets back into office, I hope he will champion criminal justice reform initiatives.”

Restricting voting rights for those with felony records disproportionately disenfranchises communities heavily impacted by mass incarceration. If more individuals with felony convictions could exercise their voting rights, the political landscape in states like Florida and Texas may be significantly different, providing enhanced representation for marginalized populations.

The ongoing discussion about voting rights is tied to a larger conversation about social justice, rehabilitation, and civic responsibility. Maintaining strict restrictions, even after individuals have served their sentences, leaves countless Americans voiceless in the electoral process.

The right to vote should be recognized as a fundamental principle, not one limited by the inequalities present in the criminal justice system.