In Florida the backlog of felons who have completed their sentences, served their probation and paid their fines is well beyond 20,000. But those hoping to have their rights restored will need a lot more than hope when dealing with the state Board of Executive Clemency’s slow-churning wheels of justice. The patience of Job and a lot of luck, for openers. They’re stuck in a bureaucratic pipeline that four times a year hears fewer than 100 requests for rights restoration.
But thanks to the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition, a petition drive for Constitutional change is underway. It targets the November 2018 ballot. It would restore voting rights to most ex-felons who have completed their sentencing obligations. Those convicted on murder or sex charges would not be eligible.
While most of the arguments on behalf of the restoration of civil rights are understandably couched in “fairness” rhetoric, one rationale is typically understated. Frankly, it’s also best for the rest of us.
The recidivism rate for ex-felons without restored civil rights in dramatically higher than for those who have regained them. In short, societal integration is made easier. Call it enlightened self interest.