FLORIDA DIGEST December 26, 2006

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http://www.tbo.com/news/metro/MGBXDP9O5WE.html

Lawmaker: Give Felons Voting Rights

By MICHAEL FECHTER The Tampa Tribune

Published: Dec 26, 2006

TAMPA - An unlikely lawmaker is taking the lead to change Florida law torestore voting rights to convicted felons.

Orlando state Sen. Gary Siplin, a convicted felon himself, has sponsoredSenate Bill 466, which automatically restores voting rights a year after thefelon's sentence is completed.

Florida is among three states that don't automatically restore votingrights. The issue gained steam during the 2006 governor's race with bothGov.-elect Charlie Crist and Democrat Jim Davis advocating changing it.

An Orlando jury convicted Siplin in August of third-degree grand theft forhaving his legislative staff members work on his 2004 Senate re-electioncampaign on state time. He was sentenced to three years of probation andcommunity service and continues to serve in the Legislature while appealinghis conviction.



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The Miami Herald

http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/news/state/16317704.htm?template=contentModules/printstory.jsp


Posted on Tue, Dec. 26, 2006


VOTING
Lawmakers likely to review touch screens

With confidence being shaken in touch-screen voting machines, severalgroups are pushing for the Florida Legislature to change the system.
By DAVID ROYSE
Associated Press Writer

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - (AP) -- When Florida's infamous punch-card ballotswent the way of Al Gore's presidential hopes, many thought the state'svoting problems had, too.

But six years later, policymakers are learning the system still isn'tperfect and more changes may be needed.

Confidence is now being shaken in the touch-screen voting machinesthat some counties chose to replace paper ballots. The issue is likely tocome up when the Legislature convenes in March for its regular session.




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