About Restore My Vote

In April of 2007, Florida took a significant step toward full democracy for ex-offenders seeking to have their right to vote restored. Governor Charlie Crist persuaded the state's Clemency Board to adopt new regulations. The new rules streamline the clemency process for ex-offenders who have committed non-violent crimes, have completed their sentences and probation, and paid victim restitution. Others must apply for clemency, which is decided by the governor and at least two members of his cabinet following an investigation of each case and a hearing before the Executive Clemency Board. For more information on the clemency process, click here. For a county-by-county breakdown of the total number of new clemencies in Florida, click here.

People For the American Way Foundation (PFAWF) has obtained through a public records request a list of the names of more than 250,000 ex-offenders in Florida whose right to vote was restored by Governor Crist and the Executive Clemency Board through October. While the clemency board attempts to notify ex-offenders that their rights have been restored, election officials throughout the state are not making a concerted effort to add all persons back to the voter registration rolls. PFAWF is attempting to reach these eligible voters, let them know they have the right to vote, give them guidance on how to register, and work with election officials to support their re-enfranchisement. PFAWF is enlisting the help of the media, election officials, the general public, the religious community, and anyone else who can help us to find the people on this list and give them information about registering to vote.

If you have any questions about registering to vote or need assistance, please call the Restore My Vote hotline at 1-877-60 RESTORE (1-877-607-3786).

Media inquiries about the project should be directed to the PFAWF communications staff at 202-467-4999 or RestoreMyVoteMedia@pfaw.org.