The Associated Press
TAMPA — A man serving time on a felony conviction is a qualified write-in candidate for a state House of Representatives seat.
The state Division of Elections approved Jose N. Vazquez this week for the seat that includes parts of Tampa and Hillsborough County.
Vazquez lists his address as a prison facility near Lake Okeechobee. State laws require candidates to live in the districts they represent and prohibit felons from running for office until their rights are restored.
Officials say Vazquez turned in the proper forms and filled them out correctly.
He’s serving time for driving with a revoked or suspended license.
Because he’s a write-in candidate, his name won’t be on the ballot. And since he’s in prison, Vazquez couldn’t be reached for comment Wednesday.