Washington, D.C. — In response to news that the Supreme Court rejected a request to block a Florida law that requires people who were formerly incarcerated and served their sentences to pay fines and fees before voting, President of People For the American Way Ben Jealous released the following statement:
“Today’s ruling by the Supreme Court to continue in effect voting restrictions for formerly incarcerated people in Florida is tragic. Nearly one million Americans will be disenfranchised because of a racially discriminatory law that amounts to a ‘pay-to-vote’ poll tax. Every American has the Constitutional right to vote, but Republican governors and lawmakers nationwide are scrambling to block access to the polls with the intent of disenfranchising eligible voters. What Trump and Republicans fear most is that more people at the polls spells trouble for them in upcoming primaries and the general election in November. We must ensure that every person who is eligible to vote is able to cast a ballot in this 2020 election. Beyond that, we must fight against voter suppression in all its forms and urge Congress to pass the Heroes Act, which includes funding to help safeguard elections and voting rights."
About People For the American Way
People For the American Way is a progressive advocacy organization founded to fight right-wing extremism and build a democratic society that implements the ideals of freedom, equality, opportunity and justice for all. We encourage civic participation, defend fundamental rights, and fight to dismantle systemic barriers to equitable opportunity. Learn more: https://www.pfaw.org.