New Florida Law Protects Ballot Boxes

Ron DeSantis

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R) this week signed a bill that aims to improve election security by restricting access to ballot boxes. Similar measures are under consideration in Texas and Arizona.

The law, which passed without support from Democrats, is among several election reform measures championed by DeSantis following reports of voter fraud during the 2020 election.

Details include:

  • Absentee voters must submit new requests each election cycle.
    • Absentee requests must include a DLN, state ID, or Social Security number.
    • Members of the general public cannot distribute food/water to voters waiting in line at polling stations.
    • Florida counties cannot alter election procedures or accept grants/private donations to pay for election-related expenses.

“Floridians can rest assured that our state will remain a leader in ballot integrity,” announced DeSantis. “Elections should be free and fair, and these changes will ensure this continues to be the case in the Sunshine State.”

Opponents, including most Democrats and all of the state’s county supervisors of elections, fear the bill will make it more difficult for minorities and other marginalized communities to vote.

With help from Democratic attorney Marc Elias, the Black Voters Matter Fund and the League of Women Voters of Florida sued just minutes after the law was signed.

“Governor DeSantis and the Florida Republicans are more interested in holding on to power than ensuring fair access to our democracy,” argues Manny Diaz, Chairman of the Florida Democratic Party. “They all praised the quality of the November elections here in Florida and now they are changing the rules.”

Author’s Note: DeSantis is taking every effort to frame Florida as a shining example for other states to follow in terms of election security and is well aware that Democrats took advantage of the pandemic to change election procedure in ways that made it easier for illegal aliens and others not eligible to vote participate in the 2020 election.

Improving security at polling stations is a commonsense idea that will cut down on fraud and bolster voter confidence.

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