ACLU, Democrats sue to stop Fla. elections law
The American Civil Liberties Union is suing to block implementation of House Bill 1355, the controversial elections law signed last month by Gov. Rick Scott
Jul 31, 202042.9K Shares1.4M Views
The American Civil Liberties Union is suing to block implementation of House Bill 1355, the controversial elections law signed last month by Gov. Rick Scott. #
ACLU of Florida Executive Director Howard Simon said the suit deals with whether the law can be implemented before the state obtains approval from the U.S. Department of Justice. The merits of the bill — including its effects on minority voters — are “a battle we will get into down the road.” #
State Sen. Arthenia Joyner and state Rep. Janet Cruz (both Democrats from Tampa) are among the plaintiffs. As residents of Hillsborough County, they live in one of the five Florida jurisdictions covered under the Voting Rights Act. #
Due to their history of discrimination against minority voters, Collier, Hardee, Hendry, Hillsborough and Monroe counties cannot change their election laws without getting pre-approval from the Justice Department, which has to decide whether the changes will make it more difficult for minorities to participate in elections. #
Laughlin McDonald, an in-house elections lawyer for the ACLU, said implementation of the law should be on hold statewide, not just in those counties. The state has begun implementing the law in the 62 counties not covered by the federal “preclearance” requirement. #
McDonald said ACLU cases in other states support that reading of the Voting Rights Act, and Florida statutesare clear: They require the secretary of state to “obtain and maintain uniformity in the interpretation and implementation of the election laws.” #
“There’s simply no rational basis for treating voters differently,” McDonald said. #
Paula M. Graham
Reviewer
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