LeBron James' group to donate $100K to pay fines for ex-felons seeking to vote in Florida

[RandySF]

The voting rights group founded by NBA star LeBron James and other athletes is committed to donating $100,000 to help pay outstanding fines and fees for former felons seeking to vote in Florida.

More Than A Vote plans to make the donation to the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition, an organization that helped push a 2018 ballot measure that restored the right to vote to the former felon population in the Sunshine State, ABC News reported.

The money will be used to help former felons pay off any outstanding court debts related to their convictions so they can register to vote.

"We believe that your right to vote shouldn’t depend upon whether or not you can pay to exercise it," Udonis Haslem, a forward for the Miami Heat and More Than A Vote member, said in a statement.



https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/509000-lebron-james-group-to-donate-100k-to-pay-fines-for-ex-felons-seeking-to

[Demovictory9]

1. K&r

[SlogginThroughIt]

2. We are going to need a lot more of this

It is awesome to see this but 100k likely isn’t going ti cover many people. Need many more people to step up and donate to this cause.

[PBC_Democrat]

3. Excellent Start ... Let's Organize and Build On It ...

The money is obviously a key component but many ex-felons are having a problem determining how much is owed and to whom.

Let's capitalize on the enthusiasm of the young people and organize into groups that can scour the courts for the final sentencing documents. Some potential new voters may not have the skills, time, or access to technology to access the court records. Some may have moved to a different part of the state than where they were convicted. During the Covid19 times, some county clerks offices may have limited access and/or hours.

But everything is available online.

Once that nailed down, have the local 'D' group make the payment and provide the new-voter with all of the paperwork. Have the local organization pay it ensures that the records are always obtainable.

Fla has plenty of millionaires and athletes that can be tapped to build the fund.

Then start a PR campaign featuring new-voters talking about how proud and excited they are to voting again/for the first time. Provide a way for people to reach out to the group for help and give a way for like-minded residents to donate $10 or $20.

Young people are involved and have something to get excited about.
Residents regain the right to vote.
The D party generates a METRIC TON of goodwill with voters and their friends & family.

Let's drive the new normal instead of whining about things out of our control.