Florida Rights Restoration Coalition (FRRC) Reacts to Proposed Advisory Opinion Form and Process for Florida’s Returning Citizens: Move is a “step forward”

ORLANDO, FL — August 22, 2024 — ORLANDO, FL – Today, the Florida Department of State (DOS) Division of Elections released a proposed advisory opinion rule and form for returning citizens to confirm their voter eligibility. As the leading state advocate on this issue, FRRC has been actively involved in improving the advisory opinion process for returning citizens, continuing our commitment to expand voting rights and election integrity for individuals with past felony convictions.

“This step forward by the state of Florida is the result of years of hard work and advocacy,” said FRRC Executive Director Desmond Meade. “It is crucial that individuals seeking to vote, especially during election season, receive clear guidance on their eligibility. We look forward to continuing to engage with the State to break down barriers to full participation in our elections.”

Since the passage of Amendment 4 in 2018, FRRC has advocated for clarity on the front end of the election process for returning citizens. In 2024, the DOS agreed to improve the advisory opinion process as a mechanism for providing voter verification. In June of this year, FRRC voiced feedback at a DOS workshop on changes to the process, advocating for shorter response times, a clear “yes or no” on eligibility, and overall streamlining. Following the workshop, FRRC submitted detailed proposals to DOS, including a draft request form.

These advocacy efforts were largely successful: the proposed process introduces a
simplified request form, establishes a 90-day deadline for the DOS to respond to a
complete form, and requires the DOS to give a clear answer on a person’s voter eligibility.

“We appreciate the Department and the State’s positive step in improving election integrity here in Florida,” said FRRC Deputy Director Neil Volz. “For years, we have advocated for needed reforms on the front end of the election process. Considering there was no deadline in place before, this updated process will help ensure clarity and assurances for Floridians on their voting eligibility. People’s lives and our election system will be improved by these changes.”

With these changes, FRRC will keep monitoring the advisory opinion process and leading support for returning citizens through Florida’s elections and election-integrity initiatives.

– Desmond Meade, Executive Director, FRRC
– Neil Volz, Deputy Director, FRRC