Every election cycle brings a fresh reminder that they'll never fully regain personhood in the eyes of the state.

Florida's Constitution is littered with the consequences of elected leaders' failure to act on issues both petty and major. But year after year, voters are asked to weigh in on issues that should have been dealt with by the Legislature, governor, or both.

This month, one such proposal cleared a preliminary hurdle on the way to the 2018 ballot. The suggested language would restore civil rights — including the right to vote — for an estimated 1.6 million Floridians who lost the fundamental privilege of citizenship after being convicted of a felony, including many convicted under harsh drug laws.

From the start, lifelong voting bans send a message that runs counter to the goals of rehabilitation. A former felon might reconnect with family, find meaningful work, become a contributing member of society — stay on the straight and narrow for decades. Still, every election cycle brings a fresh reminder that they'll never fully regain personhood in the eyes of the state.

That's why almost every state has backed away from lifetime bans in recent decades. In 38 states, voting rights are automatically restored for most people after they've completed prison terms and, in some cases, probation.

But in one state — just Florida — things have actually gotten worse in the past few years. Florida is one of only three states that strips voting rights from anyone convicted of a felony, then requires them to go through an onerous and formal clemency process if they want their rights restored. Two former governors — Jeb Bush and Charlie Crist — made changes that reduced the burden. During Crist's four years in office, 155,000 people were able to regain rights.

But when Gov. Rick Scott and Attorney General Pam Bondi took office in 2011, those reforms vanished. Now felons face long waits — between five and seven years after completion of all elements of a sentence — before they can even start the paperwork-intensive process of requesting clemency that typically takes years.

The push to make Florida's process easier has gained support across the spectrum of political thought, from the liberal-leaning Brennan Center to the conservative Heritage Foundation. The National Conference of State Legislatures has taken the issue on, as have several law-enforcement organizations.

Before the 2018 election, Florida leaders should muster their political courage and do the right thing.

REPRINTED FROM THE NORTHWEST FLORIDA DAILY NEWS