TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - Florida voters approved Amendment 4, which restores voting rights to most people with prior felony convictions.
The issue of restoration has been a hot topic for years, bringing activists like Reverend Al Sharpton to Tallahassee to champion the cause.
For ex-felons in Tallahassee, the news comes as a welcome relief. Stanley Sims said the last time he voted was 24 years ago.
Now, he says he finally gets to have a voice in improving his quality of life.
"It's not just about letting us vote. It's also about improving our community. It's that personal investment," said Sims. "When you want someone to take care of something, you want them to be able to invest in it, and voting is an investment."
There are roughly one and a half million Floridians who now have their voting rights restored.
The amendment excludes those convicted of murder or felony sex offenses.
