Open Letter to Governor Ron DeSantis Regarding Voting Rights for President Donald J. Trump
June 1, 2024
The Honorable Ron DeSantis
Governor, State of Florida
The Capitol
400 S. Monroe St
Tallahassee, FL 32399-0001
Subject: Voting Rights for President Donald J. Trump
Dear Governor DeSantis,
Florida Justice Center (FLJC) is a nonprofit 501(c)3 legal aid organization helping people overcome barriers caused by an arrest and/or conviction. We are nonpartisan legal experts in Florida’s laws regarding all forms of clemency and expungement. Our goals are to interpret the current law, provide free and low-cost legal services, and provide expert legal advice to legislators and administrative agencies seeking to amend existing laws or introduce new laws.
With the confusion noted in local and national news media regarding the voting rights of President Donald J. Trump, and in light of recent articles highlighting your statement that the former president will qualify to vote in the upcoming election, we would be honored to meet with you and/or your representatives to discuss the interpretation of the law and the benefits of amending the text of Florida Statute 98.0751 – Restoration of voting rights; termination of ineligibility subsequent to a felony conviction.
We are grateful for the clarification regarding out-of-state convictions. We believe that immediately amending this statute could help remove some of the uncertainty surrounding President Trump’s voting rights and his ability to vote in the November election without question by any party. We also believe that such clarity will extend to the numerous others with out-of-state and federal convictions that are unsure of their ability to register and vote and provide additional confidence in the electoral process.
Since we both agree that this is a matter of state and national importance, it is my sincere hope that you will accept our offer to arrange a meeting with FLJC attorney, Alex Saiz, Esq., and myself to discuss amending the statute. We can be reached at Legal@FLJC.org.
Respectfully,
Jessica Younts, JD, PhD
Executive Director, Florida Justice Center
Media requests for commentary should be directed to attorney Alex Saiz at media@FLJC.org
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ABOUT FLORIDA JUSTICE CENTER
Florida Justice Center is the state’s only legal aid organization dedicated to helping people with justice-involvement. Authorized by the Florida Supreme Court, FLJC works to lower the effects of an arrest through free and low-cost legal services, as well as connections to community service providers.
With a mission to empower individuals by providing legal support, community education, and removing barriers to success caused by the criminal justice system, FLJC succeeds in helping thousands of individuals each year.
2598 E Sunrise Blvd
Suite 2104
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
Media Contact:
Alex Saiz, Esq.
(954) 758-7555 x501
media@FLJC.org
