Representative Darryl Rouson filed House Bill 25 today that he hopes will fix and reform the elections process in Florida.
“House Bill 25 is not just about long lines and provisional ballots,” Rouson said. “This bill is about fairness. This legislature should have the motivational will to correct a mistake that was made in the passage of HB 1355 and resulted in long lines and waits to vote. Our citizens deserve better. We are again the laughing stock of the U.S. on elections day.”
Rouson continued, “I have consulted with members of the legislature, voting-rights groups, and heard from many citizens on this issue and on the particulars of this bill. They have spoken. The people are counting on us to drive this debate and win it.”
Senator Darren Soto noted that, “Nothing is more fundamental to our democracy than the right to vote. It is our duty to ensure eligible voters can cast their ballots in a convenient manner. In 2011, Florida Republican legislators passed a voter suppression bill that slashed early voting, greatly restricted voter registration, and opened the flood gates for lengthy constitutional amendments. As a direct consequence, Floridians were forced to endure insufferable lines. In addition, Florida became the only state in the nation that failed to present timely returns in the 2012 Presidential Election. Enough is enough.”
