The issue affects an estimated 1.4 million former convicted felons’ ability to vote in November. Neil Volz, the deputy director of the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition, said he is worried about the partisan undertones that he believes have gotten in the way of the restoration of voting rights. It’s unclear how many ex-felons will end up registering as Democrats or Republicans since the litigation could take years. Ron DeSantis limited Amendment 4, Democrats like Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) accused Florida Republicans of trying to establish a “poll tax” and the American Civil Liberties Union filed a lawsuit. The Florida Rights Restoration Coalition didn’t join any of the lawsuits, but the organization has a fines and fees fund to help felons who want to register to vote.

Michael Putney came to Local 10 in 1989 to become senior political reporter and host of "This Week In South Florida with Michael Putney." He is Local 10's senior political reporter.

Voter rights groups have sued the state in federal court, but a trial is not expected until spring. Soon after the amendment’s passage, the Republican-controlled Legislature stipulated that to complete sentences, felons must pay all fines and fees before getting their voting rights restored. Voting rights groups sued in federal court immediately after DeSantis signed the GOP bill into law, likening the financial requirements to an illegal barrier for people who can’t afford to pay. To possibly bolster his case, the governor sought the advisory opinion from the state’s high court. (Bob Self/The Florida Times-Union via AP) (Copyright The Florida Times-Union 2020)In a tweet, DeSantis said he was “pleased” with the decision.