TALLAHASSEE, FL (WTXL) -- Three federal judges are deciding how to rule on Florida's process of restoring voting rights to felons, in the case of nine former felons versus the state of Florida.
The 11th Circuit Court of Appeals in Atlanta heard arguments from both sides Wednesday.
"I want the right to vote. I want the right to have the opportunity to make my voice heard at the ballot," said Pastor Gregory James.
James is CEO of Reclaiming the Land Ministries. He is also one of an estimated 1.5 million Floridians who served his time in prison. 20 years later, he still doesn't have the right to vote.
That's why nine former felons without voting rights, are suing the state's restoration process.
In a legal showdown on Wednesday, a three judge panel heard arguments on whether or not the state's process of restoring felon voting rights is unconstitutional.
"Judge Walker made a decision and that decision was that what the Governor and what the cabinet was trying to do was unconstitutional and he denied the request," said Pastor James.
Judge Mark Walker made this ruling in April, challenging the state's current system. However, the decision was later blocked by the appeals court, calling for Wednesday's hearing.
The current system requires a former prisoner to wait at least five years before requesting their voting rights be restored. This will change if 60 percent of Floridians vote to pass Amendment 4 in November.
Amendment 4 allows felons, other than those convicted of murder or sex crimes, to regain the right to vote without a hearing.
"Voting has power and there is a voice in it. We cannot continue being a state that is still blocking people out," said Pastor James.
One big question, will the Atlanta court rule in time to affect the 2018 election? There is no time frame on when a ruling will be made.
