You might be wondering how former President Trump was able to vote in Florida’s primary election and how he's planning to vote in the upcoming general election on November 5, 2024. We're here to break down the details, explain how this is possible, and discuss what could happen next.
Social media is abuzz with questions about why former President Trump was permitted to vote in Florida's primary election. As a resident of Florida, Trump retains the right to vote and will exercise this right again in the general election on November 5, 2024. Here's a breakdown of the issue: Why Convicted Felon Trump Can Still Vote in Florida.
In New York, Trump was found guilty on all 34 counts in May, following a lengthy trial that disclosed scandalous details of an alleged affair between Trump and former adult film star Stormy Daniels. The case also involved a hush money scheme intended to conceal the alleged affair in the lead-up to the 2016 presidential election. Trump had pleaded not guilty to the charges and denied any involvement in the affair.
As a Florida resident with an out-of-state conviction, Trump would only be barred from voting if the state where he was convicted imposes voting restrictions, according to the Florida Division of Elections.
The Florida Law Reads: A person is eligible to register and vote if the person has completed all terms of his or her sentence. Completion of the sentence means:
- Prison or jail time;
- Parole, probation, or other forms of supervision; and
- Payment of the total amount of all fines, fees, costs, and restitution ordered as part of the felony sentence.
As you can see, Former President Trump has not been sentenced, nor served any jail time.
Under New York law, Trump would lose his voting rights only if he is incarcerated. Therefore, as long as he avoids prison time in New York, he retains the ability to vote in Florida.
The New York Law Reads: A new law passed in 2021, restores the right to vote for a person convicted of a felony upon release from incarceration, regardless of if they are on parole or have a term of post-release supervision. If a convicted felon is not incarcerated, they are eligible to register to vote.
Judge Juan Merchan has scheduled the sentencing for November 26, a few weeks after the election. In his decision, Merchan stated, "The imposition of sentence will be adjourned to avoid any appearance—however unwarranted—that the proceeding has been affected by or seeks to affect the approaching Presidential election in which the Defendant is a candidate. The Court is a fair, impartial, and apolitical institution."
Additionally, Merchan postponed consideration of a potential reversal of the criminal conviction, taking into account a recent Supreme Court decision on presidential immunity and other evidence. That hearing is now scheduled for November 12, 2024.
In conclusion, former President Trump retains his voting rights in Florida until his sentencing is finalized, which may include prison time. If imprisoned, he would lose his voting privileges in Florida until he serves his sentence and pays any fines. Afterward, he can request for his voting rights to be restored.
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