Republican efforts to restrict voting rights come in a variety of forms. Some of the most notable efforts involve onerous voter-ID laws and closing early-voting windows.
But in Florida, GOP officials have also placed sweeping restrictions on voter-registration drives. As Laura explained overnight, new Republican-imposed rules have made it almost impossible for progressive groups to register new Democratic voters. This isn't an accident.
And according to a federal court this morning, the law is simply unacceptable.
A federal judge said Wednesday he would permanently remove harsh restrictions on third-party voter registration groups that have handicapped registration efforts in Florida this year. U.S. District Judge Robert L. Hinkle said he would grant a motion to permanently remove the restrictions once he receives confirmation that a federal appeals court has dismissed the case (the state of Florida has agreed to dismiss their appeal).
The suit was originally filed back in December by the League of Women Voters of Florida, Rock the Vote, and the Florida Public Interest Research Group Education Fund. The Justice Department opposed the restrictions in a separate lawsuit.
What's less clear if the move will be too late. Laura noted in her piece that when a court blocked enforcement of the law in May, registration numbers soared in June and July. Today's announcement is heartening, but time is obviously running out before Election Day, and groups that hope to register tens of thousands of voters will have a limited window of opportunity.
Still, the Brennan Center called this a "decisive victory," and Deirdre Macnab, president of the League of Women Voters of Florida said, "Thanks to today's ruling, we can finally put these roadblocks behind us and concentrate on getting Floridians registered to vote."
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FTA: "the state of Florida has agreed to dismiss their appeal."
Of course they have. The damage has already been done. In fact, the court ruling is effectively wiping the blood off Florida's knife after they stabbed thousands of voters in the back. Just cleaning up the mess after mass murder.
You think maybe the SCOTUS would uphold another Florida lawsuit over equal protection? Personally, I'm sure those same conservative justices who stopped the recount in Florida would suddenly find a reason to go the other way.
What must be done today is to ensure that unregistered citizens who were delayed by this mess HAVE THE RIGHT to cast a provisional ballot that can be counted after the fact -if they are registered in a timely manner after the election.
Proof of what too few knew, and the media squelched in 2008.
Every
voter should see this video before they vote!
This
lady is putting it on the line in these video clips. I was stunned by some of
the information she shared and how damning her story is. Our media is doing all
they can to suppress this kind of whistle blower and if we don't share it
somehow, the facts won't ever be brought to the light of day!
Very informative videos.
www.familysecuritymatters.org/blog/detail/shocking-truths-about-the-enemy-within-from-one-who-knows-an-absolute-must-view
If you truly a disabled veteran then you are an insult to disabled veterans everywhere.
Be happy for the ruling but keep in mind just how desperate the GOP is. This is just going to push them to find another way to suppress votes and I wouldn't remotely be surprised if things start getting violent. The people doing these registration drives better watch their backs.
This is remind me of Indonesian's Election back in the 90s and 80s when Soeharto was in power for more than 30 years. His party ( Conservative ) was always win because any government workers, teachers, military etc cannot vote because they must registered with his party, if they broke the rule, they will face a jail time. This party also will intimidate women and eldery in the voting booth, every poor or homeless will be given some cash and snack and asked to vote for his party. I just can't believe it's happening in The USA.. SMH