18 former felons in Florida have been granted the right to vote in what Miami officials called a simple and streamlined process.
Legend was on hand to lend his support, also stating that so many people take the right to vote for granted. ‘When you lose it, it makes you realize how important it is’, he said
The ceremony which was conducted in a Miami-Dade County courtroom was meant to show that ex-felons can regain their voting rights, even if the Republican-controlled state Legislature enacted a law requiring them to pay any fees, fines and restitution first.
Florida voters approved constitutional Amendment 4 last year aimed at allowing about 1.4 million ex-felons to vote. The Legislature’s subsequent law put the financial requirements in place, landing the issue before the Florida Supreme Court which heard oral arguments earlier this week.
Legend said he backs efforts to allow former felons to fully regain their place in society.
