Bloomberg raises millions to help Florida felons vote [View all]

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Source: ABC News

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- Just days after after Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis won a court victory to keep felons from voting until they've paid off fines, restitution and court fees, billionaire Mike Bloomberg has stepped in to help them pay off the debts.

The former Democratic presidential candidate has helped raise more than $20 million so that felons who completed their prison sentences can vote in the presidential election. Bloomberg also has pledged $100 million to help Joe Biden win Florida.

A federal appellate court ruled on Sept. 11 that in addition to serving their sentences, Florida felons must pay all fines, restitution and legal fees before they can regain their right to vote. The case could have broad implications for the November elections. Florida has 29 electoral college votes that are crucial to President Donald Trump’s hopes of staying in the White House.

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The Florida Rights Restitution Council had raised about $5 million before Bloomberg made calls to raise almost $17 million more, according to Bloomberg advisers, who weren't authorized to speak on the record because the announcement hadn't been made yet.

The money is targeted for felons who registered to vote while the law was in question and who owe $1,500 or less. That accounts for about 31,100 people, Bloomberg advisers say. In a state that decided the 2000 presidential election by 537 votes, that could be critical in a year when polls show Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden in a dead heat.

Read more: https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/wireStory/bloomberg-raises-millions-florida-felons-vote-73163026?cid=clicksource_4380645_1_heads_hero_live_headlines_hed

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Remember that in 2018 Florida voters passed overwhelmingly agreed that felons who have completed their sentences would have voting rights restored. Then, Republican lawmakers redefined what it meant to complete a sentence to include financial restitution and payment of fines.