Here’s why Trump can vote like a felon

Upper line

Former President Donald Trump cast his ballot Tuesday morning in Palm Beach, Florida, where he is allowed to vote as a resident, despite having been convicted of 34 counts in New York earlier this year.

Key facts

Surprising facts

Florida law prohibits felons convicted in Florida from voting in elections unless their right to vote has been restored by the State Clemency Board, according to Florida Department of Elections.

News Peg

Trump cast his vote Tuesday morning with his wife Melania, and both took questions from reporters after he cast his vote. Trump told reporters he is “very confident” he will win and expects “it won’t even be close.” He said he believes this has been his last run for office, which he said makes him feel “sad and very fulfilled.” He said he does not yet know what will happen in terms of declaring victory – which Vice President Kamala Harris’ campaign expect him to do so too soon — and said those who think he won’t concede the election if he loses are “crazy,” and said he thinks the election has been fair so far.

Key background

Trump was convicted of 34 felony counts of falsifying business records in May, making him the first former or sitting president to be convicted of criminal charges. Jurors found Trump guilty on all counts of which he was charged. The weeks long attempt centered on a hush money payment Trump made to adult film star Stormy Daniels to buy her silence during his 2016 campaign. Daniels says she had sex with Trump while he was married in 2006. Trump slammed the conviction as a “disgrace” and said the trial was “rigged” after he was found guilty.

Further reading

Election 2024 Live Updates: Trump Votes in Florida (Live Updates) (Forbes)