There’s A Real Possibility Trump Can’t Vote In November

Donald Trump might not be able to vote for himself come November.

As a convicted felon in New York and now resident in Florida, Trump’s ability to cast a ballot there depends on the sentence imposed by the judge in his hush money case — and when or if he completes it.

Florida, like most states, restricts the ability of people with felony convictions to vote. But the state restores the right to vote for most convicted felons after they complete all aspects of their sentence. (There are exceptions, including for defendants convicted of murder or sex crimes, who are barred from voting in Florida.)

If a Florida resident is convicted of a felony in another state, and the crime is recognized by Florida, the same rules apply, according to Alex Saiz, legal director of the Florida Justice Center.

In Trump’s case, he’s running up against a ticking clock. It may be weeks before the judge sentences him, and Trump’s all but certain appeal could add further delay, jeopardizing his ability to complete any sentence before the polls open in November.

New York Justice Juan Merchan could sentence Trump to up to four years, though in run-of-the-mill cases that’s unlikely for first-time, non-violent offenders. Merchan could also impose probation or a milder form of supervised release. And the judge could order Trump to pay fines or complete community service.

Trump would have to complete all portions of his sentence before his right to vote in Florida would be restored.

“Let's say for whatever reason, Donald Trump gets just a fine and no [prison] sentence. If he doesn’t pay that fine, then he can’t vote until that fine is paid,” Saiz said.

“But if he gets given time served and a $500 fine, once he has paid that $500 fine and owes no more money and has no more supervision, then he is eligible to vote in the state of Florida,” Saiz added.

Saiz, whose non-profit provides free and low-cost legal aid across the state, added Florida will likely recognize the felonies that Trump has been convicted of.

“This is a regulatory, if anything, fraud case,” Saiz said. “That’s how Florida is going to treat it. A felony that exists outside of Florida is going to be treated as if it’s a felony within Florida.”

The fines Trump has racked up for violating Merchan’s gag order likely won’t apply to Trump’s ability to vote, Saiz added. Those do not relate to felony convictions and thus don’t apply to whatever criminal sentence Trump receives.