A new law requiring evidence of citizenship to vote is now facing a lawsuit.
A coalition of voting rights groups filed the suit against HB 991 the same day Governor Ron DeSantis signed it into law.
The newly signed law requires proof that someone is a legal resident, like a birth certificate or passport, when registering as a new voter.
The League of Women Voters of Florida, Florida Immigrant Coalition, Florida Rising and others are arguing the measure violates the first and fourteenth amendments. They think it places an unneeded strain on voter registration and makes it more likely eligible voters will be blocked.
The bill is modeled after the SAVE America act, which the Trump Administration is currently pushing at the federal level. It’s the latest in a host of election law changes passed since 2020 in the state.
Jessica Lowe-Minor, president of the League of Women Voters of Florida, said the legislation is looking to push Floridians off of voter rolls with red tape.
“Florida voters already confirm their citizenship when they register to vote. Instead of securing elections, HB 991 causes eligible voters to be disenfranchised,” she said.
Supporters say such changes are needed to protect against election fraud.