TAMPA — U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor wants Gov. Rick Scott to make it easier for felons to have their voting rights restored after they have paid their to debt to society.
The Democratic congresswoman spoke Monday about the issue, which promises to be a focal point of the 2014 governor’s race that’s pitting Scott, a Republican, against former Gov. Charlie Crist, a Republican-turned-Democrat.
“Florida is the worst state in the country when it comes to disenfranchisement of voters,” Castor said. “I think this is a fundamental civil rights issue of our time.”
At a news conference, Castor called on Scott and the Cabinet to address the issue at the next meeting of the state Clemency Board, scheduled for March 19.