TAMPA, Fla. – Governor-elect Ron DeSantis’ hope to delay implementation of Florida’s Amendment 4, which was approved by voters in November to restore the voting rights for some former felons, could have an impact on the 2019 Tampa mayoral election.
DeSantis told The Palm Beach Press this week the amendment shouldn't take effect until lawmakers pass so-called "implementing language," which he would then sign.
That could potentially interfere with some former felons voting in Tampa’s mayoral election on March 5, the same day the Legislature is scheduled to convene for its session in Tallahassee.
Amendment 4 supporters disagree with DeSantis, saying that what voters approved in November clearly stated it should take effect in January without the need for additional legislative measures.
But some agree that details do need be ironed out. Supervisors of elections across the state have said they need more clarification from state officials on how to implement the law, and advocates for Amendment 4 say they’re willing to be part of the process.
“We want to work with them,” said Demetrius K. Jifunza of the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition. “But we want to work with them with the understanding that our voice would not be silent. We do have the legal right to vote come January 8th and we don’t mind sitting at the table and having a dialogue with you as long as you respect our right to register to vote Jan. 8.”
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