The CARES Act included $400 million in election safety grants, with Florida eligible for over $20 million dollars to make our elections safer. Yet, as of May 12, Florida is one of only six states that have not requested these funds.

Calls for accepting the funding continue to mount. Over the last week, Commissioner of Agriculture Nikki Fried and Democratic members of Florida’s congressional delegation have called on Governor Ron DeSantis to request these needed funds.

Terrie Rizzo, chair of the Florida Democratic Party, joined the chorus of voices telling DeSantis he must act to protect Florida voters:

“Safe and secure elections are the bedrock of our democracy. Voters should not be forced to make a difficult choice between exercising their right to vote and protecting their health. We must respond to the challenges COVID-19 presents to our election. We must do everything in our power to make our elections safer –– and that includes expanding early voting and vote-by-mail. Our federal government is offering financial assistance with making our elections safer, and we would be fools to ignore it. Governor Ron DeSantis must not drag his feet on this –– he needs to act now.”