TALLAHASSEE (SNN TV) – Democrats blast a bill that restricts third party voter registration and increases fines for being late registering voters.
It reduces the amount of time nonpartisan organizations have to submit applications, and the fine that could be levied against them would go from $50,000 to $250,000. The organizations had a $1,000 fine cap before last year.
Democrats argue it’ll affect black and brown voters disproportionately and fine organizations more money than they could afford.
The bill also bans noncitizens and people with certain felony offenses from collecting or handling voter registration applications. The fine would be $50,000.
The bill also reduces by two days the time frame voters have to request a vote-by-mail ballot and send it in.
Republicans argue this ensures voter groups meet high standards.
“This bill protects the Florida voter, while making sure our elections remain the best in the nation.” said Rep. Lawrence McClure, R-Dover, a sponsor of the legislation.