TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - A group of people rallied at the Florida Capitol, hoping for changes in Florida's restoration of voting rights.
Activists came out to the Capitol to voice their opinions. They say they believe felons who have completed their sentencing requirements deserve a second chance.
District Judge Mark Walker ordered the new clemency system be in place by Thursday, which brought out campaigners in favor of prison reform.
One of them, Jimmy Fasig, says the cause is close to home. After being in prison in the 90's, Fasig had to go through the clemency process to become a lawyer.
"I went out and hired a lawyer, fought for my civil rights back, and I did get my civil rights back, but it was a struggle," said Jimmy Fasig, a Fasig Brooks managing partner. "And it was years, years after I has finished completing my sentence."
Fasig says people who have served their time need opportunities not obstacles. He says restoring rights to felons helps them become responsible members of society.
Currently, felons must wait five or seven years after their sentences are complete to apply to have rights restored.
In other states, felons who have completed their sentences automatically have their rights restored.
Florida voters will decide in November if they want to grant felons the right to automatically regain voting privledges.
Thursday hundreds are expected to join the march in support of restoring voting rights for felons. It starts at 11 a.m. at Bethel Baptist Church.
