Florida Republicans vote to strip most felons of voting rights unless they pay "poll tax"

Ah...the political party that is always thumping it’s chest about we win. But truly, they are afraid of full participation in the voting process. That’s Democracy! The GOP hates this, and have tried every means possible to stop full voter participation in America. They have tried Gerrymandering to numerous Voter I.D. Laws that keep taking away the normal I.D.s. The GOP knows what takes place when every eligible citizen votes. The GOP gets defeated in mass at the polls.

"...requiring felons to pay any outstanding fines or fees before they can have their voting rights restored." So, requiring convicted felons to pay off all of their court imposed fines prior to being able to vote is a "poll tax?" Just be honest about it. This isn't about fairness or redemption...it's just another attempt by Dems to get more votes. It is just another example of how the far left deminishes the autrocities of the past. I'm sure those that suffered under Jim Crow and had to pay real "poll taxes," wouldn't want to be compared to convicted felons.

Hi Ray, the title is a bit off considering it was only a sub-c0mmittee and the probability of getting through the Florid House is zero to none. As a Floridian, it does raise concerns and demonstrates a system that continues to run amuck. 64% of Florida voted to restore rights. Suggesting felons who had fines levied by a judge must be paid was not part of the bill we voted.

Even if the Florida House did vote to not provide voting rights until fines were paid, it would not qualify as a poll tax since it would be levied against only certain individuals not the population. I would be shocked if this crazy idea goes anywhere. Thanks for an interesting topic.