A district judge has rejected an emergency motion by civil and voting rights groups to extend Florida's voter registration deadline due to the hurricanes. That deadline was Monday.
The League of Women Voters of Florida and the Florida chapter of the NAACP brought the motion. They argued the deadline should be extended due to the damage and disruptions posed by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. But U.S. District Judge Robert Hinkle said it was still possible for people to use smartphones to register even as they evacuated.
Matletha Bennette is senior staff attorney for the Southern Poverty Law Center and is representing the League and the NAACP.
“There is absolutely harm, and even the judge admitted that there is basically tens of thousands of people that probably would have registered had the voter registration deadline been reopened. So, the impact is there, and I don’t think there’s a dispute on that.” :17 Matletha Bennette harm yes
In his ruling, Hinkle said there was no evidence that anyone had been unable to vote due to the storms. Bennette says the groups are weighing whether to appeal.
“That is a decision that has to be made in consideration with my team and clients.” :4.5 Maletha will she appeal
Hinkle noted the storms have made it difficult for supervisors of elections to do their jobs.
