Why Trump Can Still Vote Despite His Felony Conviction

While Florida typically imposes strict rules on individuals with felony convictions trying to regain voting rights, former President Donald Trump is able to vote without issue in Palm Beach today. Earlier this year, Trump was convicted in Manhattan on 34 counts of falsifying business records. These charges relate to alleged hush money payments made prior to the 2016 election to adult film actress Stormy Daniels.

05 November 2024 - 18:28

As the first former U.S. president with a felony conviction, Trump is set to face sentencing on November 26.

Florida law generally restricts voting rights for individuals with felony convictions. However, when someone has an out-of-state conviction, Florida defers to that state’s laws regarding voting rights restoration. Because Trump’s conviction was in New York, he benefits from a 2021 New York law allowing those with felony convictions to vote if they are not currently incarcerated.

For many Floridians with felony records, however, the rules are more complicated. A 2018 ballot initiative aimed at restoring voting rights for those who had served their sentences was significantly altered by state Republicans. They passed a requirement that all fines and fees related to the conviction must be paid in full before voting rights are reinstated—a process that’s challenging, as there is no centralized system to track these payment

Trump’s Felony Conviction and His Right to Vote in Florida: Here’s How It Works

In Florida, former President Donald Trump is eligible to vote despite his felony conviction, thanks to New York’s laws on voting rights for felons. For many Floridians with similar records, however, reclaiming voting rights involves clearing significant financial and legal hurdles.