Let My People Vote

My Battle to Restore the Civil Rights of Returning Citizens

By: Desmond Meade

Narrated by: Desmond Meade

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.

Critic reviews

“[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

Powerful account of sheer determination!

Desmond Meade's personal story is a humbling reminder of the power of true determination.

Let My People Vote

I enjoyed this book the genuine, truthful, faithful fight for Justice. The struggle for him was real breaking barriers to reform voting rights for former incarcerated men and women!

Powerful story

Desmond offers an honest, passionate and inspiring story. He takes you on his life’s journey to fight for the voting rights of returning citizens

Relevant. Poignant. Inspiring.

Brave enough to be vulnerable,
Desmond stares unflinchingly at his past and brings us on a ride with him from the depths of despair to inform the reader and get a peek of what hell truly is; a place without hope.
The good news is that when you hit rock bottom (and maybe a few trap doors) you can only up. Desmond is reborn with a sense of purpose to which we are all the beneficiaries.
Personally, he is one of my inspirations.

An Amazing Story!!

This is an amazing story. Could not stop listening. Truly inspiring, a must read. One person’s mission can change the lives of millions. Awesome read!!!

He Leads With Love and Inclusion

He is a man who truly believes in equality and love and we all benefit. He changed the world with Amendment 4 in Florida.

A hero, an inspiration, and a Champion

If you needed to find someone to fight for you in the ring of life, Desmond Meade is your champion. He is relentless and never gives up. Impossible is the only thing that is impossible to him. This book goes through his trials and tribulations and how they ultimately led to his triumph and the triumph of 1.4 million people. This is a must read/listen for anyone with a dream that people have told you is too big.

An inspirational story of an unlikely hero

A compelling story with excellent narration. A truly inspirational story of redemption and finding your purpose. A real life account of Desmond Meade and his path from homelessness, to law school to successfully leading the Amendment 4 ballot initiative to help 1.4 million returning citizens regain their right to vote in Florida.

Powerful and Inspirational

Mr. Meade and all those who fought this battle for justice are heroes. This is a powerful and inspiring story and shows us all a way forward. A must read for all. Mr. Meade gives me hope for humanity.

Inspiration

I liked everything about this book. I agree that all people should be allowed to vote. Especially if they have served their time. They should not have to pay a large amount for the right to vote. Excellent story!