Reply #74: FL: Locked out: Ex-felons struggle to get voting rights restored

[tbyg52]

A chance to vote and get a decent job are immediate concerns for many ex-offenders in Florida hoping to get their civil rights restored.

In June, Florida Gov. Charlie Crist announced that more than 115,000 former felons who complete their sentences would be given back their civil rights, including the right to vote, hold public office, serve on a jury, and obtain state and local licenses for certain types of work.

Nelson Cologne has been working at having his individual rights restored since his release from the Florida State prison system 11 years ago.

ACLU helps navigate restoration process
“I think they are holding it up because they know that most of the people are going to register Democrat,” Cologne said about his case. “In Florida, you are not an ex-felon. You are still a felon. I filed papers when I was first released, but the forms and the people made you feel it was impossible. Since I’ve been working with the ACLU, it is the first time anything positive has happened.”

More:
http://www.flcourier.com/news/articles/521/1/Locked-out-Ex-felons-struggle-to-get-voting-rights-restored/Page1.html