Gov Ron DeSantis says Donald Trump will be able to vote in Florida despite New York felony conviction

WASHINGTON, DC: Former President Donald Trump will not lose his right to vote in Florida, where he currently resides, despite his felony conviction in New York.

Governor Ron DeSantis, who unsuccessfully sought the Republican presidential nomination in 2024, declared on Friday, May 31, that Trump's voting rights will remain open in Florida as long as DeSantis serves as the board's chair.

What did Ron DeSantis say?

"Former President Donald Trump hasn't lost his voting rights in Florida. Rights are not removed in Florida where they haven't yet been stripped in the convicting jurisdiction," DeSantis said on X (formerly Twitter).

"That said, given the absurd nature of the New York prosecution of Trump, this would be an easy case to qualify for restoration of rights per the Florida Clemency Board, which I chair," he continued.

"The bottom line is that Donald Trump’s vote this November will be one of millions that demonstrate Florida is now a solid Republican state!" he added, per Fox News.

Donald Trump was convicted on 34 counts in the hush money trial

On Thursday, May 30, Trump was found guilty on 34 counts of fabricating business records as part of what the prosecution described as an illegal plot to sway the 2016 election by paying former adult actress Stormy Daniels to keep quiet about their alleged 2006 sexual encounter. The ex-president continues to insist on his innocence.

In New York, felons lose the right to vote while incarcerated

Most states have a standard procedure wherein felons with convictions lose their right to vote, sometimes permanently.

In New York, a 2021 law passed by the state's Democratic-majority legislature automatically restores the right to vote to all incarcerated felons upon release, including those on parole.

How does Florida state law defer to other states?

Trump, who has lived in New York all his life, moved to Florida in 2019 while serving as president.

For citizens convicted of felonies committed outside of the state, Florida state law defers to the disenfranchisement laws of other states. DeSantis and the clemency board won't need to take any action in order for Trump to continue exercising his right to vote in Florida as long as he is not imprisoned.

On July 11, Trump is expected to appear for a sentencing hearing. DeSantis's pledge ensures that Trump will be allowed to cast a ballot in Florida in November, regardless of the outcome of his sentence.

Donald Trump would be able to run for president 

Even if Trump is found guilty and imprisoned, it would not stop him from running for president. Four days following Trump's sentencing, the Republican National Convention will take place in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Last year, the RNC passed rules that did not contain any special clauses in the event that the presumed GOP nominee is found guilty of a crime.

Delegates have the power to amend the rules before Trump is formally nominated but there doesn't seem to be much support for putting forward a different candidate.

RNC Chairman Michael Whatley said Democrats weaponized the judiciary against Donald Trump

Republican National Convention Chairman Michael Whatley asserted that Democrats had "weaponized" the legal system to attack Trump, calling the decision "handed down by a partisan and biased judge." 

"The real verdict will take place on November 5 when Americans vote for a president they trust to bring down prices, secure the southern border, restore America’s leadership around the world and Make America Great Again," Whatley said in a statement after the jury found Trump guilty on all counts.