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America's premier civil rights law organization fighting for racial justice through litigation, advocacy, & public education. Established in 1940.

Apr 27, 2020, 10 tweets

The passage of #SB7066 enacted a modern-day poll tax. However, our brave clients won’t let their voices be silenced. Meet some of the plaintiffs in #JonesvDeSantis.

Latoya Moreland: Mother. Advocate. Voter.

On March 17th, Latoya was finally able to use her #Amendment4 right to vote. Legal fees she can't afford to pay kept her shut out of our democracy, but she didn't give up--and she won't until every returning citizen can cast a ballot.

Latoya Moreland has taken the witness stand. She's has discussed how overjoyed she felt to be able to register to vote and have the opportunity to cast a ballot. She felt like her daughter, who voted for #Amendment4, had her voice heard.

Currently, it's a struggle for Ms. Moreland to pay for her and her family's necessities, let alone her legal financial obligations. If she had extra money to give she would. The inability to pay should never impede upon the fundamental right to vote.

This is what the right to vote means to Latoya Moreland:

Marsha Ellison: Voter. Advocate.

Marsha is a representative of the Florida NAACP. She's been dedicated to advocating against any bill that would undermine #Amendment4. Today, she'll take the witness stand.

Ms. Moreland describes the struggles returning citizens face when trying to find housing and secure employment. She says that requiring all LFOs to be paid before voting will disenfranchise returning citizens "for life."

Curtis Bryant: Father. Son. Advocate.

Curtis is a formerly incarcerated citizen, giving him less access to jobs that would allow him to pay his outstanding fees. Curtis wants to exercise his rights, but the State is essentially locking him out of the booth with a $10K poll tax.

"Mr. Bryant, why did you decide to become a plaintiff in this case?"

"Mr. Bryant, why do you want to vote in the November election?"

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