But corrections officials say eligibility extends only to those without felony convictions. There also will be extensive background checks.
By MICHAEL SANDLER
Published September 10, 2004
LARGO - Being jailed in Pinellas County no longer means you can't vote. Thursday, Pinellas became the second Florida county to allow inmates without felony convictions to register while in jail.
Signs posted in jail housing areas invite eligible inmates to vote in the Nov. 2 election.
The program came together after St. Petersburg lawyer Darryl Rouson, president of the St. Petersburg chapter of the NAACP, called Chief Deputy Jim Coats and asked him to consider it.
Sheriff's officials estimate hundreds of inmates could be eligible, but more exact numbers won't be known until background checks are conducted on inmates who express interest.
"Certainly there are hundreds who should be eligible and should be allowed the opportunity," Rouson said.
Inmates have until Sept. 29 to register. Social workers will be available to assist inmates with forms. Pinellas has approximately 3,200 inmates.
Maj. Kirk Brunner, who oversees the jail for the sheriff, said all inmates who seek to register will be subject to criminal background checks. Those convicted of a felony charge lose their right to vote. But those awaiting trial on felony charges and those convicted of a misdemeanor are eligible.
Eligible inmates will vote an absentee ballot, unless they are scheduled to be released before the election.
But Brunner cautioned that this is not a registration drive. "We are not just going to go in and hand these things out," Brunner said. "They are going to have to have some initiative and request these."
The partnership came about after Rouson called Coats and told him Broward County started allowing inmates to register a few years ago. Rouson said Coats was receptive to the idea of Pinellas starting a similar program.
Coats is the Republican candidate for sheriff and has been endorsed by his current boss, Sheriff Everett Rice.
Rouson, who has been critical of Rice over the years, has also endorsed Coats.
Brunner said he does not expect the program to have a financial impact.
"I don't see a lot of work," Brunner said. "In fact, the staff seem to be excited and think this is the right thing to do."
