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Pervasive stigma and discrimination, and discriminatory policing strategies and enforcement of laws make LGBTQ people disproportionately likely to interact with law enforcement and enter the criminal justice system. LGBTQ individuals are incarcerated at a higher rate than non-LGBTQ individuals. A “YES” on Amendment 4 in November would restore the eligibility to vote to thousands of LGBTQ people and help Florida become a more inclusive democracy.

Did you know?

Florida is one of only four states in the country whose constitution permanently disenfranchises all people with past felony convictions.
More than 1.4 million Floridians cannot vote due to a felony conviction. This represents more than 10% of the Florida voting population.
LGBTQ women make up over 42% of the overall women’s national prison population. In comparison, only 3% of the general national population identify as LGBTQ.
LGBTQ individuals are incarcerated at higher rates and often serve longer sentences as compared to non-LGBTQ individuals.
39% of LGBTQ individuals identify as people of color. In Florida, 21% of Black people have had their right to vote revoked by the state government.

Why should LGBTQ people care about Amendment 4?

LGBTQ individuals are sentenced and incarcerated at higher rates than are non-LGBTQ people and are thus at a greater risk of permanently losing their eligibility to vote in Florida. Disenfranchised individuals in Florida make up more than 10% of the state’s general voting population, and LGBTQ people represent a large portion of those with former convictions. Under current laws, LGBTQ people are denied their eligibility to vote even after they have completed their sentence.

Florida's system for returning a person’s eligibility to vote is broken. Amendment 4 takes an important step towards fixing it by restoring the eligibility to vote to 1.4 million Floridians who have completed their sentence for prior felonies, excluding murder or sexual offenses.

Amendment 4 will restore LGBTQ returning citizens’ eligibility to vote and their power to make positive change for our communities.

What can I do about it?

Voting “YES” on Amendment 4 in November is the first step in helping LGBTQ people with former convictions. Eligibility to vote is fundamental to democracy and should not be taken away. You can also help by clicking below to make calls, volunteer and/or donate.

All other Amendments

Equality Florida Action PAC has not taken an official position on the remaining ballot amendments, however, Progress Florida has prepared a plain language guide to the 12 proposed Florida constitutional amendments and the positions of ten civic and public interest watchdog organizations. Click on their logo below:

Floridaballotguide.com