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Are Florida's Ex-Felon Voters Being Hit with 'Poll Tax'?

Katherine Gypson

   WASHINGTON - A highly touted ballot initiative passed last November by
   Florida voters that restores the voting rights of more than a million
   ex-felons in the southern U.S. state appears to be in jeopardy.

   Republican Governor Ron DeSantis signed legislation last week
   undercutting Amendment 4 that would require formerly incarcerated
   voters to repay the costs associated with their convictions before
   regaining their ability to vote. Critics say the new law is
   unconstitutional and amounts to a poll tax, charging voters for the
   right to vote.

   In a memo released late Friday after signing the bill, DeSantis said
   Amendment 4 "does not apply to a felon who has failed to complete all
   terms of his sentence."

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