State Senator Annette Taddeo (D) commented on voting concerns this week, asserting her commitment "to fight this voter suppression."
On social media, Taddeo highlighted the importance of the youth in the upcoming election while also criticizing Governor Ron DeSantis (R) for voting laws implemented in Florida. Taddeo is currently running in a primary election against Florida Rep. Charlie Crist (D) and Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried (D) in the hopes of facing Governor DeSantis in the November election.
On Twitter, Taddeo shared that “DeSantis is trying to make voting harder for Floridians,” adding that the Governor “should be encouraging everyone to vote, instead of making it difficult to perform our civic duty.” In response, Taddeo commented that “we need to fight this voter suppression, so that all of our voices can be heard and represented.”
DeSantis is trying to make voting harder for Floridians. We should be encouraging everyone to vote, instead of making it difficult to perform our civic duty. We need to fight this voter suppression, so that all of our voices can be heard and represented.
— Annette Taddeo (She/Her/Ella) (@Annette_Taddeo) December 29, 2021
In the wake of President Donald Trump’s 2020 loss, a number of states passed election laws, citing the goal to make elections more secure.
According to Politifact, the new law “restricts ballot drop boxes, bans the collection by individuals of multiple completed ballots and adds requirements to request a mail ballot.”
SB 90 was passed by the Florida Legislature in April, and Governor DeSantis signed the bill into law on May 6th.
After the signing, Governor DeSantis affirmed that “we’re not resting on our laurels, and me signing this bill here says, ‘Florida, your vote counts.’”
Florida Democrats criticized DeSantis and the GOP for the bill, and Taddeo has been a vocal critic of the effort.
Earlier this week, Taddeo also joined Florida Rep. Anna V. Eskamani (D) in filing a bill that would bring voter registration to high school.
“Our youth are the leaders and change-makers of tomorrow,” Taddeo said, noting that “by providing accessible voter registration in Florida’s public schools we are facilitating a space where these students can contribute to the democratic process of this great nation.”
"The youth vote is underrepresented in FL. Studies show that voters under 30 are less likely to be registered, or to vote, than the general public. It is important to bring this voter outreach to schools to encourage civic engagement once 18," stated Taddeo.
