In Florida, about 1.5 million people are barred from voting because they have a past felony conviction. To get back the right to vote, they have to ask the governor directly. This year, voters will decide whether to change this practice.
AILSA CHANG, HOST:
On the ballot in Florida this election is an amendment to the state constitution that would restore voting rights to about 1 1/2 million people. These are people who were convicted of felonies at some point in their lives. Florida is one of just four states that blocks people with felony convictions from voting even after serving their sentences.
ARI SHAPIRO, HOST:
Right now the only way they can get their voting rights restored is to apply and then ask the governor and members of his Cabinet for forgiveness, sometimes in person. NPR’s Embedded podcast followed two people through this process. Kelly McEvers has the story.
RICK SCOTT: The Executive Clemency board meeting is now…
