A federal judge has blocked Florida elections officials from enforcing part of Florida’s new controversial election law until a trial can be held.
U.S. District Judge Robert Hinkle said a provision of the law requires voter registration groups to submit their registration forms to election officials within 48 hours of collecting them instead of 10 days was “Harsh and Impractical.” The ruling drew applause from several groups, including the Florida League of Women Voters.
“The timeline that they set for volunteers was really unreasonable to expect volunteers to try to turn voter registration forms around on a 48-hour period," Deidre McNabb, the League's President.
In protest of the law, the League suspended its voter registration drive.But proponents of the law say the ruling is insignificant considering the scope of the law.
Shortly after the ruling, Governor Rick Scott issued this statement:
Governor Rick Scott, satisfied with the ruling that strengthens the integrity of Florida’s voter registration process, will review options related to other provisions designed to protect newly registered voters. “I am pleased that central parts of the voter registration law have been upheld by a federal judge. This is a vast improvement over the previous system that will help protect the integrity, accountability, and enforcement of the voter registration process. Our democracy relies on ensuring only valid, legal votes are counted, and that starts with having a voter registration process that safeguards the ballots of Florida citizens.”
Republican Party of Florida Chairman Lenny Curry:
"Based on initial reports about the ruling, we are pleased that the majority of the law was upheld, as these are common sense procedures that will help protect the integrity of Florida's elections. This law ensures that third party voter registration groups are held accountable and that citizens are registered in a timely and proper manner. However, we are disappointed that the modest requirement of a 48-hour turnaround for registration applications was rejected. This would guarantee that new voters know with certainty they have joined millions of legal voters in being able to participate in our great democratic process. RPOF will continue to monitor the progress of this new law, and--as always--we will support efforts to ensure that every legal voter in Florida is allowed to cast their ballot and have it accurately counted."
House Minority Leader Perry Thurston:
"I am elated by this initial victory for Florida's voters. I am pleased that voter rights groups are likely to prevail in their challenge to at least a key portion of the Republican-crafted voter suppression law. As federal Judge Robert Hinkle has noted in a preliminary injunction issued today, a provision of the law that makes third-party groups like the League of Women Voters hand in voter registration forms within 48 hours is simply `harsh and impractical' and the `short deadline, coupled with substantial penalties for noncompliance, make voter-registration drives a risky business."
Obama for America-Florida Press Secretary Eric Jotkoff:
“Voting should be easy and accessible, and we’re working to get as many Americans involved as possible, which is why we welcome the preliminary injunction today blocking enforcement on many of the burdensome restrictions on voter registration activities signed into law by Gov. Rick Scott. OFA-FL will continue working tirelessly to guarantee that as many Floridians as possible have the opportunity for their voices to be heard by making it as easy as possible to help them register to vote. Across the state, OFA-FL will continue to host regular voter registration trainings and our volunteers will continue working to help Floridians register to vote. We will continue putting in place accountability measures to track our efforts to ensure our volunteer-driven voter registration efforts comply with the law while also encouraging Floridians to participate in the election process.”