General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Florida is definitely in play: [View all]markodochartaigh
(5,545 posts)Florida was 48D to 52R, a difference of 400k voters. About 20-25% of Black people in Florida are felons. Florida voters passed an amendment to allow ex-felons to vote. Then Republicans passed legislation to keep ex-felons from voting until they have paid off their fines and fees. Then Republicans made it very difficult for ex-felons to find out what they owed and how to pay it. It's the old voter suppression story. Probably enough money to help people pay their debts and enough attorneys to help people get through the process could turn Florida blue, but it would be a lot of work and it would be met with fierce opposition every step of the way.
I think that I remember someone, was it Mayor Bloomberg, who paid off a bunch of people's debts so they could vote.
https://www.propublica.org/article/in-florida-the-gutting-of-a-landmark-law-leaves-few-felons-likely-to-vote