The Intelligence from The Economist Conviction politics: Florida’s disenfranchised felons
Sep 17, 2020
Join John Fassman, Washington correspondent for The Economist, as he dives into the struggles of former felons in Florida who lost their voting rights again after a brief restoration. He discusses barriers to voting and the implications for American democracy. Mariana Palau, covering Colombia, sheds light on intense protests against police brutality, sparked by a tragic incident, highlighting the urgent need for reform amid a militarized police force. Together, they unravel the complex interplay of rights, reform, and resistance.
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Florida's Felon Disenfranchisement
- Florida's criminal justice system relies heavily on fines and fees, impacting former felons' voting rights.
- Many former felons cannot vote due to outstanding fines and fees, even for minor offenses.
Examples of Excessive Fines
- One woman, convicted in a fraud scheme, was ordered to pay $59 million, an impossible sum.
- A young man discovered he owed $4,000 to vote, highlighting the hidden nature of these fees.
Voter Suppression in America
- Voting in America is harder than it should be, especially for minorities.
- The gutting of the Voting Rights Act in 2013 led to polling place closures in minority districts.