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HomeMy Public PortalAbout15-8980 Florida Constitution that Permits Felons To VoteSponsored by: Commissioner Pinder RESOLUTION NO. 15-8980 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF OPA LOCKA, FLORIDA, SUPPORTING PASSAGE OF AN AMENDMENT TO THE FLORIDA CONSTITUTION THAT PERMITS FELONS TO VOTE, PROVIDING FOR INCORPORATION OF RECITALS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. WHEREAS, The State of Florida currently does not permit felons to vote, even after they complete their sentences; and WHEREAS, Other States permit felons to vote at all times, while others permit felons to vote immediately upon completion of their sentences; and WHEREAS, this policy disenfranchises United States Citizens and has a disproportionate impact on the African American Community, where although African Americans make up 17% of the population, one in four cannot vote based on this policy; and WHEREAS, The City Commission supports the passage of a Constitutional Amendment that permits felons to retain their voting rights. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF OPA LOCKA, FLORIDA: Section 1. The recitals to the preamble herein are incorporated by reference; Section 2. The City Commission hereby supports passage of a Constitutional Amendment to permit allowing felons to retain their right to vote and authorizes the Mayor to forward a copy of this Resolution to the Governor and legislators of the State of Florida. Section 3. This Resolution shall take effect immediately upon adoption. PASSED AND ADOPTED this 27th day of April, 2015. Resolution No. 15 -8980 Myra L. Taylor Mayor Attest to: Approved as to form and legal sufficiency: J#na Flores City Clerk Moved by: Seconded by: Commissioner Vote: Commissioner Kelley: Commissioner Pinder: Commissioner Santiago Vice Mayor Holmes: Mayor Taylor: Vincent T. Brown, Esq. BROWN LAW GROUP, LLC City Attorney Commissioner Santiago Commissioner Pinder 5 -0 YES YES YES YES YES