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By: Jessica Chiappone, Florida Rights Restoration Advocate In 1988 I was arrested and subsequently convicted of conspiracy to possess cocaine in New York. Since my release from prison over 15 years ago my right to vote was automatically reinstated pursuant to New York law. In 2007, I moved from New York to Florida. However, my right to vote was not acknowledged by full faith and credit in Florida because pursuant to Florida’s Constitution, a citizen cannot vote unless their “rights” are restored. Florida is one of three states that permanently disenfranchises individuals due to a past felony conviction. The other two states are Kentucky and Iowa.