Jail inmates may be able to cast vote in election

[Florida_Geek]

http://www.sptimes.com/2004/09/10/Northpinellas/Jail_inmates_may_be_a.shtml

Jail inmates may be able to cast vote in election

But corrections officials say eligibility extends only to those without felony convictions. There also will be extensive background checks.

By MICHAEL SANDLER, Times Staff Writer
Published September 10, 2004

LARGO - Being jailed in Pinellas County no longer means you can't vote. Thursday, Pinellas became the second Florida county to allow inmates without felony convictions to register while in jail.

Signs posted in jail housing areas invite eligible inmates to vote in the Nov. 2 election.

The program came together after St. Petersburg lawyer Darryl Rouson, president of the St. Petersburg chapter of the NAACP, called Chief Deputy Jim Coats and asked him to consider it.

Sheriff's officials estimate hundreds of inmates could be eligible, but more exact numbers won't be known until background checks are conducted on inmates who express interest.

"Certainly there are hundreds who should be eligible and should be allowed the opportunity," Rouson said.

Inmates have until Sept. 29 to register. Social workers will be available to assist inmates with forms. Pinellas has approximately 3,200 inmates.

.. more at SP Times

[freetobegay]

1. Thats good news.

[funkybutt]

2. New Orleanian registered 700 at Central Lock up

Orleans Parish prisoners are activly beeing registered to vote. Norris Henderson, founder and president of "VOTE" took the group's voter registration drive to Orleans Parish Prison a week or two ago.

I believe he is registering those who have not been found guilty of commiting a felony and those who are locked up on misdemeanor offenses. I tried to find the article online but I had no luck.