BY IRIS B. HOLTON
Sentinel City Editor
Recently, an article printed in a newspaper analyzed the data pertaining to a list of potential ineligible voters. The analysis reportedly revealed that the majority of the names on the list were African Americans and Democrats.
Supervisors of Elections purged a combined 7,000 names from the voter rolls during the first four months of the year. The list included individuals who are not legal citizens and convicted voters.
The published article said, “A Times/Herald analysis of four months’ worth of data from the state Division of Elections shows that 6,934 people were removed from the rolls in the first four months of 2012 following felony convictions, and that Democrats were three times more likely to be removed than Republicans.
“Of that total, 3,550 or 51 percent were registered as Democrats, and 1,206 or 17 percent were registered as Republicans. Another 1,614, or 23 percent, were registered with no party affiliation.
“Here’s the racial breakdown of felons removed from the voter database in 2012: Whites accounted for 3,018 or 44 percent, and blacks accounted for 2,956 or 42 percent. Hispanics accounted for 608 or 9 percent.
“The five zip codes that accounted for the largest number of civil rights revocations were in Jacksonville and Tampa. Jacksonville, the state’s largest city, had the most purged felons (928). Tampa had 797, Miami 367, Orlando 222, and St. Petersburg 174.”
Travis Abercrombie, spokesperson for the Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections, said the list of purged names was statewide and were primarily of illegal citizens.
“We receive names everyday electronically. Once we receive the names, we must generate a certified letter that gives the person 30 days to respond, if the information is incorrect,” he said.
However, Abercrombie said the voters do not have to wonder if their names are on any of the lists generated statewide. He said the simplest way to know is to go to the Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections website, enter the requested information, and complete the boxes.
“Voters can visit the website and update their information. If there is an error, then that person will have the opportunity to correct it prior to the election. If the person is a convicted felon who has had his or her rights restored, then that person only needs to show proof.”
Abercrombie said if residents check their voting status early, then it will eliminate any problems that may arise during an election. He also said, if there is a problem, then the voter will have time to correct it prior to the election.
Once on the website, select “My Registration Status.” The person then only needs to enter his or her last name, date of birth, and the numbers in that person’s address. Once the information is submitted, it quickly reveals that person’s information and voter status.
Abercrombie said anyone with questions or who is seeking additional information can contact the Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections Office at (813) 744-5900.
