NPR

Felons In Florida Want Their Voting Rights Back Without A Hassle

One of out every 10 adults in Florida is not eligible to vote because of a state law that prevents former felons from doing so without a lengthy process. There are efforts underway to change that.

At Florida's Capitol in Tallahassee, four times a year, dozens of anxious people gather to hear a decision that will affect the rest of their lives. Felons whose sentences and probation are complete stand before the governor and other Cabinet members to ask for clemency and the restoration of their right to vote.

After waiting for years, Joanne Calvarese made her case to the clemency board in June.

"I feel that I have paid my consequences,"

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