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Did you hear about the police raid in Florida, John? No, not
that one.

Last week, 20 formerly-incarcerated people were arrested, some at gunpoint
in midnight raids, because they believed in second chances.

When someone has paid their debt to society, the best way to set them up
for success outside of prison is to let them reenter society. That means
things like finding work and contributing to our communities. And one of
the best ways each of us can contribute is through voting. That is why, in
2018, the people of Florida voted to pass Amendment 4 to restore voting
rights to those with certain felony convictions who had served their time.

Once released, these individuals were told that the new law meant they
were able to register to vote again. They even received notifications from
the state confirming that they successfully registered and authorizing
them to vote.

But it was a trap.

In August, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced the arrest of 20
formerly-incarcerated people whose convictions made them ineligible to
vote. He said they were committing voter fraud. Except they didn’t know
that.
Michelle Stribling is a 52-year-old Black woman who states she has
difficulty reading and writing. Michelle stated she had difficulty
understanding the voter registration questions and believed her rights had
been restored because she was issued a voter registration card after
completing the application.  

Leo Grant, a 55-year-old Black man, told officials he voted-by-mail after
election administrators sent him a voter identification card. He too was
bewildered as to how he could be accused of fraud when the government told
him he could vote.

Now, they’re facing another felony charge, a $5,000 fine, and a return to
prison. All because they believed it when they were told they had a second
chance to contribute.

It is wrong and it is unfair to ruin these people’s lives when all they
did was participate in our democracy exactly as they were told they could.
That is why we’re working with Florida Rights Restoration Coalition
(FRRC), who has set up a legal defense fund and a bail fund to help these
returning individuals.

[ [link removed] ]Donate to the FRCC Legal Defense Fund

[ [link removed] ]Donate to the FRCC Bail Fund

If you believe in second chances, [ [link removed] ]join us by donating so that these
people are able to return to their normal lives, not be used as political
props.

In solidarity —
All of us at Dream.Org 

P.S. If you’re unable to donate, [ [link removed] ]amplify this story by sharing this
video. 

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