Common Cause Florida, State Voices Florida, League of Women Voters Florida and the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law Call on Florida’s Governor, Rick Scott, to Postpone Elections this Month Due to Devastating Impact of Hurricane Irma upon Florida Voters

Today, Common Cause Florida, State Voices Florida, the League of Women Voters Florida and the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, appealled to Florida’s Governor, Rick Scott, to postpone municipal and statehouse elections scheduled in the coming weeks due to the devastating impact of Hurricane Irma on the State of Florida and Florida voters. 

“Floridians are continuing to struggle with repairing and restoring power to our homes and securing food and water for our families. For many, the storm has placed extra obstacles in the path to the ballot box. Governor Scott should delay special elections scheduled in the coming weeks until it’s clear that all polling places are fully accessible and all voters have a reasonable chance to participate,” said Liza McClaneghan, State Chair, Common Cause Florida.  

“Florida voters should be granted the appropriate time and accommodations to participate in their local elections after a natural disaster occurs. In order to provide a fair election that doesn’t prohibit voters from casting their ballots due to circumstances beyond human control, an election process for the affected counties must be established,” said Jasmine Burney-Clark, Deputy Director Florida501(c)3 Civic Engagement Table (State Voices).  

“Every citizen in Florida should be able to exercise their right to vote in the most accessible manner, said Pamela Goodman, President, League of Women Voters of Florida. “Governor Scott can help protect this right in this distressing time for so many of his constituents.”  

“As Floridians emerge from boarded-up homes and shelters following the devastating impact of Hurricane Irma, we call upon Governor Scott to postpone upcoming elections for a reasonable time to allow Florida voters to exercise their fundamental right to vote,” said Kristen Clarke, president and executive director of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law.  “We are particularly concerned about Florida’s most vulnerable voters, many of whom have been unable to return to their homes, or are without power and lack basic necessities and resources. Floridians deserve the opportunity to focus on relief and rebuilding efforts without fear of being shut out of participating in the electoral process.” 

To read the letter, click here.