Tampa, FL —  Following Federal Judge Robert Hinkle’s order today striking down provisions of the GOP’s voter suppression law impacting third party voter registration efforts, Florida Democratic Party Chairman Rod Smith issued the following statement:

STATEMENT FROM FDP CHAIR ROD SMITH:

“As we have stated from the beginning, the GOP’s voter suppression law is nothing more than a thinly veiled attempt to keep Floridians from making their voices heard at the polls. Under Gov. Rick Scott, Florida Republican’s have led an unprecedented assault on voting rights – a basic right of all Americans – and it must stop. Today’s decision is a victory for the people of Florida and a defeat to the extremist GOP leadership in Tallahassee. “

From the ruling:

• “If the goal is to discourage voter-registration drives and thus also to make it harder for new voters to register, the 48-hour deadline may succeed. But if the goal is to further the state’s legitimate interests without unduly burdening the rights of voters and voter- registration organizations, 48 hours is a bad choice.” [Page 8]
• “Even if the limitations on mailing do not render these provisions unconstitutional, they plainly run afoul of the National Voting Rights Act.” [Page 12]
• “Allowing responsible organizations to conduct voter-registration drives—thus making it easier for citizens to register and vote—promotes democracy.” [page 25]

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