Florida lawmakers have passed an array of new restrictions on groups that register voters – an action that voting rights experts say could make it harder for people of color in the state to register and participate in future elections.
The measures are part of a sweeping elections bill that now awaits Gov. Ron DeSantis’ signature. The 96-page package includes an attention-getting provision that would allow DeSantis to retain his position as governor while seeking the Republican presidential nomination. But SB 7050, which the Republican-led legislature approved last week, contains other changes to state law that could have a long-lasting impact on the operations of voter registration groups.
Additionally, the bill is poised to shift responsibility to individual Floridians to demonstrate their eligibility to cast ballots, after the arrest of 20 convicted felons last year for allegedly voting illegally in the 2020 election. Several defendants have said they thought that voter identification cards sent to them by state officials provided proof that their voting rights had been restored.
Under the proposed change, they will now include disclaimer language, noting that cards are “not legal verification of eligibility to vote.”
Several key provisions, however, focus squarely on third-party voter registration groups.
Among them: one shortening from 14 days to 10 the amount of time these organizations have to turn in any registration forms they collect. The bill imposes daily late fees for each tardy application. The groups also must register with the state each general election cycle, a change from the current one-time registration requirement. They also must provide a receipt to each voter they register.
The bill makes it illegal for people convicted of certain felonies and for non-citizens – including those who have permanent legal…
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