Restoration of Civil Rights / Amendment 4

What is Voting Restoration - Amendment 4?

Florida voters passed Voting Restoration - Amendment 4 on November 6, 2018. 

The amendment restores voting rights to individuals with prior felony convictions who have completed their sentences, including parole and probation requirements, court costs and restitution. The terms of the constitutional amendment, which went into effect January 8, 2019, exclude anyone convicted of murder or a felony sex offense unless the Governor and Cabinet vote to restore voting rights for those individuals.

Click below for Standards Governing Eligibility for Voting Rights After a Felony Conviction.

View Standards

If I am a felon, how do I know if my rights have been restored?

It is up to the individual to know whether they are eligible to complete a voter registration application, including whether they are now eligible to vote under Amendment 4. 

Starting January 8, 2019, certain convicted felons who have completed their sentences, including parole and probation, court costs and restitution will have their voting rights automatically restored and will be eligible to register to vote (with the exception of those convicted of murder or sexual offenses).

You may search for your eligibility or apply for your Restoration of Civil Rights through the Florida Office of Executive Clemency:

• Online: https://www.fcor.state.fl.us/clemency.shtml
• By email: [email protected]
• By phone: (800) 435-8286 or (850) 488-2952
• By fax: (850) 488-0695
• By mail: 4070 Esplanade Way
                Tallahassee, FL 32399

If I was removed from the voter rolls due to a felony conviction will I automatically be registered to vote?

No. You must re-register to vote before you can participate in any election. Registrations must be submitted at least 29 days prior to an election in order to be eligible to participate in that election.

How will the Supervisor of Elections office handle voter registration applications now?

The Supervisor of Elections office will accept and process voter registration applications as usual. It is up to the individual filling out the registration application to ensure the information being supplied, including restoration of voting rights, is accurate. You must re-register to vote before you can participate in any election. Registrations must be submitted at least 29 days prior to an election in order to be eligible to participate in that election.

How do I register to vote?

In person:

Indian River County Supervisor of Elections Office
4375 43rd Avenue
Vero Beach, FL 32967

Hours: Monday - Friday from 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Online:

www.RegistertoVoteFlorida.gov
(requires a Florida Driver License or Florida ID)

By mail:

The statewide voter registration application form is available for download in English and Spanish.

What If My Voting Rights Are In Question?

If you attempt to vote at an early voting site or your normal election day polling place you will be required to vote a provisional ballot. If you vote by mail, your ballot will be treated as a provisional ballot. In either case, your ballot may not be counted until a final determination of eligibility is made. If you wish for your ballot to be counted, you must contact the supervisor of elections office within 2 days after the election and present evidence that you are eligible to vote.