The Florida Legislature is at it again, looking to pass new rules that would make it harder for eligible voters, especially those from minorities and those who are poor, to register and vote. Some of the bills:
- Make it illegal for anyone to get within 100 feet of a line of voters. This would criminalize election protection programs, in which non-partisan volunteers outside of polling places ensure voter know their legal rights and are able to cast a vote.
- Require voter registration forms must be turned in within 48 hours. Grass-roots voter registration drives may stop registering voters rather than risk jail time or fines.
- Elderly would no longer be able to use photo IDs issued by retirement centers or neighborhood associations at the polls. They would only be able to use the IDs issued by the Motor Vehicle Bureau with a processing fee.
- Require more frequent purging of voter rolls.
Republican leaders seem to be trying to push this legislation through quickly with a minimum of public hearings. If they succeed, the American Civil Liberties Union of Florida will challenge parts of the legislation as they feel they will not survive a constitutions challenge.
Florida legislators should not need a court to tell them not to interfere with the right to vote. If you live in Florida call your legislature and tell them how you feel about voter suppression.
Michael H. Drucker
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