My First Vote After a Decade: Why Voting Rights Matter

In 2018, Florida voters passed Amendment 4, restoring voting rights to many people with felony convictions after they completed their sentences and paid their fines and fees. For me, that amendment changed something deeply personal. In 2020, after paying off my restitution and being released from probation, I was finally able to walk into a polling place and cast my vote for the first time since 2010.

I cannot fully describe what that moment felt like. After years of feeling disconnected from decisions that impacted my community, my family, and my future, I finally felt seen again. Voting reminded me that my voice still mattered.

Many people do not realize that voting eligibility for people with felony convictions varies from state to state. In some states, voting rights are never lost. In others, rights are restored after incarceration, probation, parole, or the completion of financial obligations. Some states require additional steps before a person can register again. Even people sitting in jail awaiting trial may still be eligible to vote because they have not been convicted of a crime.

Unfortunately, confusion around these laws prevents many eligible people from participating in elections. Too many people assume they cannot vote without ever checking their eligibility.

That matters because elections are often decided by incredibly small margins. Some races have literally come down to just a handful of votes. In 2017, a Virginia House of Delegates race ended in a tie after recounts, with each candidate receiving 11,608 votes. The winner was ultimately decided by drawing a name from a bowl. Local elections across the country have also been decided by one vote, proving that every single ballot truly matters.

Voting is more than politics. It is about having a voice in the future of your community. It is about representation, accountability, and believing that your life and experiences matter. When people stay home because they think their vote does not count—or because they are confused about whether they are eligible—we all lose important voices in the democratic process.

If you are unsure about your voting eligibility, do not assume you cannot vote. Take the time to check. The Campaign Legal Center’s Restore Your Vote campaign provides free state-by-state information to help people understand their rights and the steps needed to register. You can visit www.restoreyourvote.org for guidance and resources.

If you live in Florida, you can also contact the League of Women Voters of Florida for help understanding your eligibility and voter registration options. Their organization works to educate voters and help eligible citizens participate in elections. Visit www.lwvfl.org for more information and assistance.

Your voice matters. Your vote matters. Do not let confusion or misinformation silence you. Check your eligibility, register if you can, and make your voice heard at the ballot box.

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Tanaine Jenkins
Author, Speaker & Advocate

State Organizer REFORM Alliance
Tanaine@TanaineJenkins.com

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DID YOU KNOW?

Did you know that Nucleos has partnered with local jails to help provide access to voting? Many individuals in jail are awaiting trial and have not been convicted, meaning they still retain their right to vote. At Nucleos, we believe civic engagement matters. Supporting access to voting is one more way we help restore dignity, opportunity, and connection — no matter where someone is in their journey.

Email us today to learn more: info@nucleos.com

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