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Our democracy is only as good as the integrity of our system.
In 2018, about 8.2 million people cast their vote — almost 2 million more than projected. Turnout among active and inactive voters increased across the board. But Florida also revealed the inequities that still exist.
In 2018, about 8.2 million people cast their vote — almost 2 million more than projected. Turnout among active and inactive voters increased across the board. But Florida also revealed the inequities that still exist.
2.6+ million people voted by mail.
The statewide average of rejected VBM ballots in 2018 was 1.2%, higher than the 2012 or 2016 presidential elections. In Broward County, it was 2.8% —and even higher among voters between the ages of 18-21.
The statewide average of rejected VBM ballots in 2018 was 1.2%, higher than the 2012 or 2016 presidential elections. In Broward County, it was 2.8% —and even higher among voters between the ages of 18-21.
As the entire nation applauded the young organizers from Parkland for getting engaged, research by @electionsmith shows about 15% of their vote-by-mail ballots were rejected. They didn't have a voice in this election.
These and other troubling facts should concern all of us and move us to action because I believe, as my grandmother used to say, that “when you know better, you do better."
At the state level, there are 9 measures that should be taken:
1. Allow same-day registration
2. Repeal Florida’s onerous voter registration laws
3. Standardize and fund early vote sites across the state
4. Universal paid postage for vote by mail ballots
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1. Allow same-day registration
2. Repeal Florida’s onerous voter registration laws
3. Standardize and fund early vote sites across the state
4. Universal paid postage for vote by mail ballots
...
5. Allow ballots postmarked by election day to be counted
6. Increase funding for SOE offices
7. Mandate electronic poll books to make voter registration portable statewide
8. Fix signature matching.
...
6. Increase funding for SOE offices
7. Mandate electronic poll books to make voter registration portable statewide
8. Fix signature matching.
...
9. A real recount system that triggers an evaluation of an actual paper receipt, rather than a count by the same machines that produced the first count
We also need our federal government to address voter suppression BEFORE it occurs, not just after. Florida was covered by the Voting Rights Act preclearance formula that was struck down by the Supreme Court in 2013 in Shelby County v. Holder and gutted the Voting Rights Act.
Under the formulas in the remedial legislation, the Voting Rights Advancement Act, we expect that Fla. would again be covered, requiring the Justice Department to pre-clear changes to state voting laws.
This preclearance provision could potentially block suppressive voting measures before they go into effect.
There are also duties we, as citizens, must carry out.
We need to get off the sidelines, engage in the process and organize to improve our communities. I am encouraged and optimistic about the future of our state and our country because in 2018 so many Floridians did just that.
We need to get off the sidelines, engage in the process and organize to improve our communities. I am encouraged and optimistic about the future of our state and our country because in 2018 so many Floridians did just that.
That is why I am going to continue in this work and am working with partner organizations across the state to register and engage one million new voters in Florida. We will continue to organize for a Florida that works for all, not just a privileged few.
If you're wiling to fight for our state, join me at ForwardFla.com. 👊🏾
