Judge Rejects Florida Law Restricting Voter Registration For Felons

Florida felons who have completed their prison sentences and parole terms are one step closer to regaining their right to vote after a federal court ruled against a state law that would have denied felons the right to vote until they paid off outstanding fines and court fees.

In 2018, Florida voters overwhelmingly supported a referendum enfranchising people convicted of felonies. Less than one year later, the state's Republican governor signed a law restricting voter registration to those who had paid their court-related debts.

On Sunday, Judge Robert L. Hinkle said that law amounts to a "pay-to-vote" system and is unconstitutional.

Here & Now's Robin Young speaks with Desmond Meade, president of the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition.