Let My People Vote, Desmond Meade
Let My People Vote, Desmond Meade
List: $20.00 | Sale: $14.00
Club: $10.00

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

Author: Desmond Meade

Narrator: Desmond Meade

Unabridged: 6 hr 5 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 10/06/2020


Synopsis

Desmond Meade was chosen as a MacArthur Fellow in 2021
The inspiring and eye-opening true story of one man’s undying belief in the power of a fully enfranchised nation.

“You may think the right to vote is a small matter, and if you do, I would bet you have never had it taken away from you.” Thus begins the story of Desmond Meade and his inspiring journey to restore voting rights to roughly 1.4 million returning citizens in Florida—resulting in a stunning victory in 2018 that enfranchised the most people at once in any single initiative since women’s suffrage.

Let My People Vote is the deeply moving, personal story of Meade’s life, his political activism, and the movement he spearheaded to restore voting rights to returning citizens who had served their terms. Meade survived a tough childhood only to find himself with a felony conviction. Finding the strength to pull his life together, he graduated summa cum laude from college, graduated from law school, and married. But because of his conviction, he was not even allowed to sit for the bar exam in Florida. And when his wife ran for state office, he was filled with pride—but not permitted to vote for her.

Meade takes us on a journey from his time in homeless shelters, to the exhilarating, joyful night in November of 2018, when Amendment 4 passed with 65 percent of the vote. Meade’s story, and his commitment to a fully enfranchised nation, will prove to readers that one person really can make a difference.

About The Author

Desmond Meade is the president of the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition, chair of Floridians for a Fair Democracy, and a graduate of Florida International University College of Law. As a formerly homeless returning citizen, he fought to restore voting rights to over 1.4 million Floridians with past felony convictions. He was recognized by Time as one of the 100 Most Influential People in the World in 2019. Today, Desmond continues fighting against new restrictions placed on Florida voters that have been likened to Jim Crow laws. Desmond and his wife and five children live in Florida. Connect with him @desmondmeade.


Reviews

Goodreads review by Camille on October 07, 2020

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.......more

Goodreads review by Mirissa on July 29, 2021

I picked up this book on a whim, and I’m glad I did. It was well-written, easy to follow, and inspiring. It got me thinking about an experience my sister had working at the polls. A man came in with the clipping of a newspaper article from when rights were restored to returning citizens in Virginia.......more

Goodreads review by Hakan on December 21, 2020

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 an......more

Goodreads review by Mackenzie on January 31, 2022

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 release......more

Goodreads review by Barbara on November 20, 2021

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.......more


Quotes

“[An] appealing debut memoir . . . This poignant account soars.”
Publishers Weekly

“This is a moving and triumphant story of how ordinary citizens can make a difference.”
Booklist

“Desmond Meade is one of my personal heroes, and his story is an inspiration for all those who aim to build a radically more inclusive democracy.”
—Michelle Alexander, The New Jim Crow