NBA Finals MVP LeBron James, former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg and a number of other public figures have offered large donations to the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition. Their financial support has now helped 13,000 formerly incarcerated citizens regain their right to vote. In the state of Florida, formerly incarcerated people are able to vote, but they must pay fines and fees before doing so. Thankfully, the $27 million donations from Bloomberg, James and others have helped 12,800 people vote this year.
“We want communities to get better by having more voices heard, and the quicker people are able to be reintegrated into the community, the better,” Florida Rights Restoration Coalition Deputy Director Neil Volz said.
Florida is currently one of 11 states that requires formerly incarcerated people to complete additional actions upon release in order to vote. Other states include Alabama, Arizona Delaware, Iowa, Kentucky and a few others. On the opposite end of the spectrum, only three area allow incarcerated people to vote.
In addition to restoring voting rights fo formerly incarcerated people, the coalition was also able to provide financial support for those in need during the pandemic.
“We were able to go to Brevard County and hand them a check for $551,000. All of Florida taxpayers are benefiting from our efforts,” Florida Rights Restoration Coalition President Desmond Meade said.
