Following the Governor signing the SB 524 at a Spring Hill sports bar today, members of the Florida Democratic Caucus issued the following statements:
Representative Fentrice Driskell (D-Tampa) said:
“The parade of bad bills just keeps coming. As if targeting marginalized communities wasn’t enough, the Governor has now broadened his attacks to now include the voting freedoms of ALL Floridians. This bad bill encroaches on every Floridian’s right to a fair voting process free from arbitrary obstacles put in place by Tallahassee politicians. Governor DeSantis isn’t concerned with the governing of Florida but his own personal political objectives. Floridians deserve a fair opportunity to make their voices heard at the ballot box.”
Representative Joe Geller (D-Aventura) stated:
“Another bill to suppress the vote. Why are the Republicans so afraid of the judgement of the citizens?”
Representative Anna Eskamani (D-Orlando) added:
“Instead of working to increase access to the polls, Governor DeSantis continues to prioritize disinformation and feed into lies that the 2020 elections were not accurate which is super ironic and disingenuous because in November 2020 the Governor was bragging about how well our elections went. But then again, DeSantis would rather make it harder to vote than actually meet the needs of all Floridians.”
Representative Susan Valdés (D-Tampa) explained:
“I echo the concerns many of my colleagues have expressed in the chilling effect this bill will have on Floridians’ participation in our democratic process. I have particular concerns about the use and operations of the so-called “elections police” created by this bill. No Floridian should fear reprisal from an unaccountable agency with a nebulous mission simply because they wanted to register their fellow citizens to vote or help a neighbor turn in their mail ballot. We should be doing everything in our power to make it easier for our fellow Floridians to vote, yet this bill is another example in a years-long campaign to undermine that right.”
Representative Yvonne Hinson (D-Gainesville) issued the following statement:
“Under the guise of promoting “election integrity,” SB 524 is another malicious attempt by the Republican majority to suppress Florida voters. Even the Governor has said that Florida’s 2020 election was secure—yet, this new election crime task force has been developed to solve a problem that does not exist! Its implementation will put up additional barriers to voting and targets communities of color. This bullying tactic will intimidate and immobilize workers, families, and everyday people. Floridians deserve free and fair elections. We should be working to break down barriers, not build them. Voting is our most sacred right; it is unlawful to be stripping Floridians of our basic American freedom.”
