SB 7050, Florida’s latest proposed election reform, will change various parts of the voting process for voters, candidates, and election workers alike. Here’s a look at the bill’s proposed changes.
SB 7050 changes the rules for third-party registration organizations. These organizations target groups that are underrepresented in the vote, such as low-income communities and women. The bill would give these organizations 10 days, rather than 14, to turn in registration forms and impose fines on those who miss deadlines. It would also require third-party registration groups to provide voters with a receipt. Third-party organizations would need to re-register with the state every election cycle. Some of these groups will not be able to take the strain of increased requirements, less time to submit registration forms, and higher fines for any mistakes that lead to violations of the law. According to research by Daniel Smith, the chair of political science at the University of Florida, 2 out of every 100 white voters were registered by third-party organizations, but 1 out of every 10 black voters and 1 out of every 10 Hispanic voters were registered by third-party organizations. The bill makes it harder for third-party organizations to function, thereby making it harder for the groups that these organizations help to register and vote in upcoming elections.
The bill also makes it more difficult for first-time voters to cast their ballot. First-time Florida voters who have not received a state-issued driver’s license, identification card, or Social Security number would be required to vote in person unless exempted by a federal mandate. Those who do not meet the requirements cannot vote by mail. This measure impacts thousands of out-of-state college students who do not have state-issued IDs or Social Security numbers; these people would have to travel home and miss class or work to vote. This is not feasible for many, which could suppress the votes of an entire demographic.
SB 7050 also makes voting harder for citizens who spent time in prison and are in the process of having their voting rights restored to discern if they are eligible to vote. Voter information cards must have a disclaimer on them that reads, “This card is for information purposes only. This card is proof of registration but is not legal verification of the eligibility to vote. It is the responsibility of a voter to keep his or her eligibility status current.” This measure pushes the burden of determining eligibility status to the voter, which can be complicated. Complicating the process of voting causes a chilling effect in which potential voters would rather not vote than attempt to interpret election laws — and who can blame them.
Regardless of the intent of the bill, it specifically impacts racial minorities and young people; these groups tend to vote Democrat. With the upcoming presidential election in 2024 and rumors of Ron DeSantis running for president, it’s hard to believe that the bill is not intentionally making voting more difficult for potential voters.