Civil rights groups on Thursday launched a campaign designed to get an estimated 250,000 ex-offenders back on the voter registration rolls in time for the 2008 presidential election. Dubbed "Restore My Vote," the effort includes a web site, www.restoremyvote.com, and a toll-free hotline, 1-877-60-RESTORE, or 1-877-607-3786.

The People for the American Way Foundation and other groups say that despite efforts by Gov. Charlie Crist and the Cabinet to streamline the restoration of civil rights in Florida, roadblocks persist that make it difficult, if not impossible, for some people to get their names on the voter registration rolls.

"Voting is our voice," said Reggie Mitchell of PFAWF. "Many newly eligible citizens have no idea their voting rights have been restored."  Even though the effort is supported strongly by Democratic legislators and groups like the ACLU of Florida, Mitchell said the objective is not to help Democrats win the White House in 2008.

"This is bigger than just partisan politics," Mitchell said. The groups sent a letter to Gov. Charlie Crist, asking that he order the Florida Parole Commission to include a blank voter registration form with each certificate of civil rights restoration. As many as 7,000 such letters are mailed out every month.