The campaign for Amendment 4, the voting restoration amendment on Floridians’ ballot this November, has launched its television and radio ads, spending nearly $5 million statewide to share the stories of Floridians impacted by the state’s broken system and the people who support second chances.
The ads, which include English and Spanish ads in TV and radio, include personal stories from Floridians who have been impacted by the state’s voting ban and experts who support Amendment 4.
“We are excited to share stories with people all across Florida as we approach the start of early voting in Florida,” stated Floridians for a Fair Democracy Campaign Manager Jackie Lee. “Floridians from all walks of life have been energized by this grassroots campaign, and with this ad buy we are bringing the message of second chances to voters across the state.”
Among the stories in the ads are those of Alan Rhyelle, a Vietnam veteran who received a Purple Heart but lost his eligibility to vote due to a marijuana conviction, and Gary Winston, former Assistant State’s Attorney for Miami-Dade County.
“I was a prosecutor for 34 years,” states Winston in the ad featuring him. “A prosecutor should acknowledge that sometimes people make mistakes. I believe that when a debt is paid, it’s paid.”
The $4.956 million ad buy includes over half a million dollars for Spanish-language TV, over $700,000 in radio stations serving minority communities.
The ads will play in every major media market throughout the state.
Florida is one of only four states with a lifetime ban on voting. Amendment 4 would restore the eligibility to vote to Floridians who have served their time and completed all terms of their sentence as ordered by a judge – including parole, probation, and restitution. The amendment specifically excludes those individuals who have committed
murder or a felony sexual offense.
View and listen to Brett and Mallery’s story online here:
To learn more about the Second Chances Campaign, please visit secondchancesfl.org.
