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Applies only to Inmates Not Convicted of a Felony

Being jailed in Pinellas County no longer means you can't vote. Thursday, Pinellas became the second Florida county to allow inmates without felony convictions to register while in jail. Signs posted in jail housing areas invite eligible inmates to vote in the Nov. 2 election. The program came together after St. Petersburg lawyer Darryl Rouson, president of the St. Petersburg chapter of the NAACP, called Chief Deputy Jim Coats and asked him to consider it. Sheriff's officials estimate hundreds of inmates could be eligible, but more exact numbers won't be known until background checks are conducted on inmates who express interest. "Certainly there are hundreds who should be eligible and should be allowed the opportunity," Rouson said. Inmates have until Sept. 29 to register. Social workers will be available to assist inmates with forms. Pinellas has approximately 3,200 inmates. [more]