Let My People Vote: My Battle to Restore the Civil Rights of Returning Citizens

by Desmond Meade

Desmond Meade was a convicted felon who turned his life around and got a law degree. When it came time to vote for his wife for state office, he found he had been disenfranchised.

Desmond Meade survived a tough childhood only to find himself with a felony conviction. He further survived hardships that led him to the brink of suicide. Finding the strength to pull his life together, he graduated from law school and married. When his wife ran for state office, he was filled with pride—but not permitted to vote for her. He spearheaded a movement to restore voting rights to felons who had served their terms, and in November of 2018, Amendment 4 passed with 65% of the vote. Today, Desmond continues his justice work, including fighting back against new restrictions placed on Florida voters, restrictions that have been likened to Jim Crow laws. In this book he tells the story of his battles on all fronts, and of his undying belief in the power of a fully enfranchised nation.

Genres: Politics, Nonfiction, Social Justice, Memoir, History

176 pages, Hardcover

First published October 6, 2020

Reviews

[Martha Anne Toll]

My review on NPR Books of this book. https://www.npr.org/2020/10/07/921051...

[Camille Pum · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this book in the giveaway! I was so excited to win this book, especially with the election coming up. Truly inspiring and a reminder of how powerful voting can be. Beautifully written, I highly recommend.

[Katie Bruell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was super interesting and fast-moving. I read it in one sitting. I've followed the campaign for Amendment 4 pretty closely, so I knew there was a happy ending coming up (more or less...) and was invested in the story.

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

This relatively quick read felt appropriate for inauguration week, as we celebrate transitions in democracy, the power of the people's vote over long-reigning tyrants.

Desmond Meade was a key leader in one of the latest civil rights battles, specifically regarding the right to vote for returning citizens (people returning from incarceration). Did you know that before 2018, any Floridian convicted of a felony lost the right to vote for life? This book details the author's own struggle from homelessness, drug addiction, and prison time to pursuing higher education (ultimately a law degree!) and advocating for the rights of all people. Meade emphasizes that his activism centers on redemption and second chances - in a word, love. The main way that Meade and other volunteers begain conversations around their movement was to ask people, "Did anyone you love ever make a mistake?" From there, they would speak to the person about felon reenfranchisement.

I was fascinated to read about the process for this specific civil rights fight. Meade goes into his work of canvassing, refining language for the amendment, collecting petitions, etc. I was particularly moved to hear his desire to speak with people who disagreed with him (or were perceived as opposed to his cause). He never shied away from that and indeed sought out disagreements, in order to discuss with them the true issues (not partisanship but rather civil rights and second chances for people who make mistakes) and also in order to better strengthen his own platform. I think that attitude takes a very special personality, and Meade is unquestionably a charismatic leader.

I admire Meade and his deep dedication to fighting for redemption and rights for all people. I rejoice along with the many grassroots volunteers that this amendment passed, and I wish all the best for the continuing fight for civil rights protection. I hope for a world of greater justice and compassion, and one key to this in our own country is fighting for redemptive rehabilitation and reintegration of returning citizens.

[Hakan Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Desmond Meade doesn't just give me hope for Florida, he gives me hope for America. He's a clear example of why people need multiple chances. When people do their time, they need a chance to contribute to this country. Anyone feeling cynical about what your vote means, just listen to Desmond Meade and he'll set you straight.

[Correen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Desmond Meade organized and led the battle to restore voting rights to "returning citizens." I was not familiar with the term until recently when I heard a the subject discussed on TV.

For me there are a few important takeaways from the book. First, the life of a newly returning citizen is almost always difficult and sometimes seems to be designed to get felons to reoffend -- specifically, offenders are released in the middle of the night when they have no one to help them and they may not even know the area where they are released.

Second, returning citizens and supporters of their voting rights are common in both major parties. It is not a partisan issue. In Florida, at least, support for returning citizens is high.

Third, for returning citizens, right to vote is a symbol of their citizenship that helps them feel and be a contributing citizen.

[Angie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Must Read for Every American Citizen

This book recalled the journey Mr. Desmond Meade took to restore his voting rights and the voting rights of other returning citizens in Florida. It should be read by every American citizen for a number of reasons. First, he is right in saying that the American citizen should keep our elected officials accountable. This book reminds us of that fact. Secondly, this book gives citizens a second look as to who actually has the right to vote in this country. Thirdly, this book reminds citizens why it is so important to vote. I would recommend this book to anyone. I also think that this book would be a good book for high school students to read and discuss in class.

[Mackenzie White · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book by the leader of the non-partisan campaign to restore voting rights to formerly incarcerated citizens of Florida. I’ve been following this campaign for years, since I am a Florida voter. Super interesting origin story and shows the dedication and hard work of the author once he is released from prison. Highly recommend.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice inspiring memoir. I would have liked more detail on how the coalition functioned together since that can be so challenging. It’s classified as YA and clearly aiming to inspire young people and not overwhelm them with sausage making details.

[Andréa]

Note: I accessed a digital review copy of this book through Edelweiss.

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Admirable honesty. Impressive man.