Florida’s Voting Restrictions and the Need for Reversal of Supreme Court Precedent:
Recent developments in Florida have brought the state’s voting restrictions into the spotlight. The state has implemented a number of measures that have made it more difficult for citizens to vote, including restrictions on mail-in voting, early voting, and drop boxes. These measures have been buoyed by a flawed Supreme Court precedent, which has emboldened states to enact restrictive voting laws. In this article, we will explore the impact of Florida’s voting restrictions and the need for the Supreme Court to reverse its flawed precedent.
Florida’s Voting Restrictions:
Florida has enacted several measures that have made it more difficult for citizens to vote. One of the most significant is the restriction on mail-in voting. The state has implemented new rules that make it more difficult to request mail-in ballots, and has reduced the number of drop boxes where voters can return their ballots. These measures have made it more difficult for elderly and disabled voters, as well as those who live in rural areas, to cast their ballots.
In addition to the restrictions on mail-in voting, Florida has also implemented restrictions on early voting. The state has reduced the number of early voting days and hours, making it more difficult for working-class voters to cast their ballots. Furthermore, Florida has implemented restrictions on drop boxes, which are used by voters who cannot vote in person. The state has reduced the number of drop boxes and has placed restrictions on when and where they can be used.
The Flawed Supreme Court Precedent on voting rights:
Florida’s voting restrictions have been buoyed by a flawed Supreme Court precedent. In 2013, the Supreme Court struck down a key provision of the Voting Rights Act, which had required certain states, including Florida, to obtain federal approval before enacting any changes to their voting laws. This decision has emboldened states to enact restrictive voting laws, as there is no longer any federal oversight to ensure that these laws do not discriminate against certain groups of voters.
The Need for Reversal:
Given the impact of Florida’s voting restrictions on disenfranchised communities and the role of the flawed Supreme Court precedent in enabling these restrictions, there is a clear need for the Supreme Court to reverse its 2013 decision. This would require Congress to pass new legislation to restore the protections of the Voting Rights Act. Such legislation would ensure that states cannot enact discriminatory voting laws without federal oversight.
SEE ALSO: Input Sought from Parties in North Carolina Election Map Ruling:
Conclusion Paragraph:
Florida’s voting restrictions have made it more difficult for citizens to exercise their right to vote. These restrictions have been buoyed by a flawed Supreme Court precedent, which has emboldened states to enact restrictive voting laws. To ensure that all citizens have equal access to the ballot box, it is necessary for the Supreme Court to reverse its 2013 decision and for Congress to pass new legislation to restore the protections of the Voting Rights Act. Only then can we truly have a democracy that is fair and just for all.
Suggested Further Reading:
Florida voting restrictions buoyed by flawed Supreme Court precedent
Appeals court rules Florida election law didn’t target Black voters
Supreme Court Deals Major Blow To Felons’ Right To Vote In Florida
Frequently Asked Questions:
What did the Supreme Court rule on felons voting?
The U.S. Supreme Court left in place a lower court order that likely will prevent hundreds of thousands of felons in Florida from voting. The court refused to intervene to protect voting rights, upholding an appellate court’s decision to temporarily block felons from voting.
When did felons lose the right to vote in Florida?
In 2018, nearly two-thirds of the Florida electorate voted to amend the state constitution and allow felons to vote 1. However, the GOP-controlled Legislature sought to limit the effects of the amendment by passing a law that conditioned the right to vote on payment of all fees, fines, and restitution that were part of the sentence in each felon’s case.
In what case did the Supreme Court rule that a key section of the Voting Rights Act was unconstitutional?
In 2013, the Supreme Court struck down a key provision of the Voting Rights Act in Shelby County v. Holder. This decision has emboldened states to enact restrictive voting laws, as there is no longer any federal oversight of changes to their voting laws.
Can you vote on felony probation in Florida?
According to Amendment 4, which was passed by Florida voters in 2018, felons who have completed their parole or probation periods are allowed to vote. However, this has been challenged by a law passed by the GOP-controlled Legislature that conditions the right to vote on payment of all fees, fines, and restitution that were part of the sentence in each felon’s case.
Which individuals are legally disqualified from voting?
In general, non-citizens, including permanent legal residents, cannot vote in federal, state, and most local elections. Some people with felony convictions or who are currently serving time for other types of crimes may also be disqualified from voting. Rules vary by state. Some people who have been legally declared mentally incompetent may also be disqualified from voting.