The state of Florida is taking action again in the name of "election integrity" as Governor Ron DeSantis (R-FL) has just signed SB 524 into law.
Last year Senate Bill 90 from the Florida legislature caused quite a stir on the national stage. In fact, several states across the country enacted similar legislation in their respective state legislatures. This legislation fell under heavy scrutiny, with Commissioner of Agriculture Nikki Fried (D-FL) comparing it to Jim Crow Laws.
SB 524 is an election integrity bill, but has different purposes than SB 90. Governor DeSantis believes the legislation will, "[increase] penalties for ballot harvesting, expanding our ban on Zuckerbucks, and establishing an election integrity unit in state government to enforce our laws."
Opponents of the bill, such as LWV of Florida think the bill adds, "unnecessary hurdles," that will harm the democratic voting process. This contributes to the ongoing debate of election security versus election equity, where Democrats largely believe election integrity laws counter equal voting opportunities across demographics.
Although Democratic criticism was heavy, Governor DeSantis was supported by the Florida Senate Majority, and specific groups like Election Transparency Initiative. The group Tweeted, "We thank the legislature and [Governor Ron DeSantis] for their leadership, and for their dogged pursuit of free and fair elections in the face of unprecedented headwinds."
