Media Alert: Florida Law Denying Vote to Ex-Felons Faces Critical Court Review

For Immediate Release

Contact Information
Amanda Cooper, 212 998–6736

Media Alert: Florida Law Denying Vote to Ex-Felons Faces Critical Court Review
Appeal Hearing in Johnson v. Bush April 9

What: This lawsuit seeks to restore voting rights to more than 600,000 people with past felony convictions who have paid their debt to society and are nevertheless barred forever from the Florida polls. The plaintiff class includes homeowners, taxpayers and parents who want to participate in civic life.

The case is now before the Federal Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit. A three-judge panel will hear an appeal from a lower court’s decision upholding the voting ban.

Where: James Lawrence King Federal Justice Building in Miami, 99 N.E. Fourth Street, 12th Floor Courtroom

When: Wednesday, April 9, 2003, Hearings begin at 9:00 a.m.

Press conference after the hearing (approximately 11:30 a.m.) in the bull pen between the Dyer Building and the King Building.

Who: Attorneys for the plaintiffs; Members of the plaintiff class; and Activists and politicians committed to restoring voting rights

Plaintiffs and attorneys are available for interview or comment. To schedule an interview, or for more information, please call Amanda Cooper at 212.998.6736.

Additional information about the case, including the Complaint filed, can be found on our Johnson v. Bush page.