Once a person becomes a convicted felon, access to the ballot is lost. Not only does this prevent a felon from casting a vote at the polls, it prevents him/her from signing any petition for change which may have a direct socio-economical-political impact on him/her even if they are law-abiding, productive members of society.    ‘Restoration of Civil Rights’ under our Hot Topics column explains the process for applying for the restoration of civil rights.  All convicted felons that have completed their sentences and are no longer under any form of probation/supervision, do not owe restitution and have no pending state or federal cases should apply. Once the right to vote has been restored,  failure to exercise that piece of personal power would be a tragedy. If you live in Florida, contact the office of Representative Audrey Gibson at (904) 353-2180 for more information.
Florida Statute: Title XLVII (944.292)
http://www.flsenate.gov/statutes/index.cfm?mode