Florida Changes Rules on Ex-Felons' Voting Rights

Florida changed the rules Thursday to make it easier for convicted felons who have done their time to regain the vote and other civil rights. Florida is one of only a few states that do not automatically restore most rights when felons have served their time. Instead, those who have committed certain crimes must go before the state clemency board for a hearing, and the hearing process can take years. More than 4,000 people are waiting for a hearing, and only about 200 get one each year because the board meets only four times a year. Civil rights groups have argued that the process is too arduous and makes it hard for ex-convicts to get back into society. The thousands of felons in Florida who are not allowed to vote also became an issue this year during the presidential race in this battleground state. On Thursday, Gov. Jeb Bush and the Board of Clemency reduced the number of offenses that require felons to go through hearings, and waived the hearing process for people who go several years without committing a new crime. Convicted felons lose the right to vote, hold office, serve on a jury, own a gun or obtain certain professional licenses. [more]