Hot Topics: Voter Empowerment
Restoring Rights. Removing Barriers. Strengthening Democracy
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Join the League of Women Voters of Manatee County for a powerful Hot Topics program focused on one of the most critical issues of our time: ensuring every eligible voter can participate fully and confidently in our democracy.
This month, we bring together two leading organizations—VoteRiders and the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition (FRRC)—for an in‑depth look at voter ID challenges, rights restoration, and the real work happening on the ground to empower voters across Florida.
The Organizations
VoteRiders
VoteRiders is the nation’s leading nonprofit dedicated solely to voter ID education and assistance. Their team works year‑round to ensure voters understand Florida’s ID requirements and can access the identification they need—free of charge—to cast a ballot with confidence. Learn how their statewide partnerships, direct services, and outreach efforts are helping thousands of Floridians overcome ID barriers.
Florida Rights Restoration Coalition (FRRC)
FRRC is a grassroots, membership‑driven organization committed to ending the disenfranchisement of returning citizens. Their work was instrumental in overturning Florida’s 150‑year lifetime voting ban for people with felony convictions. Hear how FRRC continues to fight for full rights restoration, why this work matters for our democracy, and how the League can support returning citizens in reclaiming their political voice.
Our Speakers
Taylor Crowe
Florida State Director, VoteRiders
Taylor is a seasoned nonprofit strategist with nearly a decade of experience strengthening civic engagement and policy infrastructure across Florida. At VoteRiders, they lead statewide voter ID education, assistance, and coalition-building efforts. Their work sits at the intersection of policy, direct service, and grassroots organizing—ensuring that voters most affected by restrictive ID laws have the support they need to participate fully in elections.
Marquis McKenzie
Statewide Chapter & Leadership Coordinator, FRRC Founder & President, Community Outreach Enterprise
Marquis brings lived experience, passion, and deep community engagement to his work. After his release from prison in 2008, he dedicated himself to uplifting at‑risk youth, advocating for juvenile justice reform, and helping returning citizens rebuild their lives. As a leader within FRRC, he played a key role in the historic effort to restore voting rights to people with felony convictions in Florida. His story and advocacy continue to inspire change across the state.
