Obama-Appointed Federal Judge Rules Florida Unconstitutionally Banning Ex-Felons From Voting
By Fox News // February 2, 2018
FLORIDA (FOX NEWS) – Florida is unconstitutionally enforcing its ban on voting by ex-felons, an Obama-appointed federal judge ruled Thursday in a decision that could potentially upend this year’s elections.
In a scathing ruling that included a sharp rebuke to Republican Gov. Rick Scott’s administration, U.S. District Judge Mark Walker said the state’s current process to restore voting rights — which can take years — is unconstitutional primarily because it is handled unfairly.
“A person convicted of a crime may have long ago exited the prison cell and completed probation,” Walker wrote. “Her voting rights, however, remain locked in a dark crypt. Only the state has the key — but the state has swallowed it.”
John Tupps, a spokesman for Scott, defended the process and suggested that an appeal was likely.
“The governor believes that convicted felons should show that they can lead a life free of crime and be accountable to their victims and our communities,” Tupps said. “While we are reviewing today’s ruling, we will continue to defend this process in the court.”
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