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.

Donate to the FRCC Legal Defense Fund

Donate to the FRCC Bail Fund

If you believe in second chances, 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 

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