[Tallahassee, FL] Gov. Rick Scott – already reeling from nationwide criticism that he is purging non-U.S. citizens from Florida voter rolls (and taking legitimate voters right along with them) – now has a fresh federal smack down to deal with.
In his 27-page ruling, a federal judge has declared that the requirement that all voter registration forms be turned in within 48 hours was “harsh and impractical.” An injunction was ordered barring further enforcement of that part of the law.
U.S. District Judge Robert Hinkle wrote that even though the National Voting Rights Act is not violated by the 48-hour rule, it imposed “burdensome record-keeping and reporting requirements that serve little if any purpose, thus rendering them unconstitutional.”
The lawsuit was filed by The League of Women Voters and later joined by the ACLU of Florida and others.
He did rule, however, that most of the rest of the law can stay as is. Other lawsuits are still pending in federal court that contest other controversial parts of the law which has been heavily criticized as being overtly partisan while being passed under the guise of squelching fraud.
The sweeping voter registration and election law changes were passed by the Republican-controlled legislature and eagerly John Hancocked by Scott in 2011.
By: Mark Christopher/Sunshine Slate
Image: MDGovpics
Related reading:
Federal judge strikes down part of new election law (MiamiHerald.com) In a much-anticipated decision, U.S. District Judge Robert Hinkle on Thursday struck down some provisions of a Florida elections law that imposed new restrictions on third-party groups that do voter registration.
New Florida election law blocked (WPEC) A federal judge says some of Florida’s new limits on voter registration drives are likely unconstitutional. US District Judge Robert Hinkle on Thursday temporarily blocked implementation until a trial can be held. One provision requires groups …
Judge blocks portion of Florida election law (Bradenton Herald) They say the restrictions passed by the Republican-controlled Legislature are aimed at suppressing turnout. Republicans contend they are needed to prevent election fraud. Those and other parts of a new election law also are being challenged in another …
voter registration
