In a time period where Democrats are accusing Republicans of voter suppression, Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) is changing that narrative. Following the aftermath of Hurricane Ian, the Florida Governor is issuing an emergency executive order in support the voting rights of those affected by the storm.
The order allows voters in Charlotte, Lee, and Sarasota counties to receive an extended amount of early voting days and have more designated early voting locations. They will also be able to request a vote-by-mail ballot over the phone as long as they provide an “appropriate form of identification.”
A DeSantis press release mentioned the readiness and “resiliency” of Florida’s election system following the category 4 hurricane.
“Lastly, since Hurricane Ian made landfall, numerous Supervisors of Elections have publicly addressed their readiness, and thankfully most have very publicly stated that Ian’s impacts will not interfere with their duties. This is a testament to the resiliency of Florida’s elections system.”
Florida’s Secretary of State, Cord Byrd, has also gave the state high remarks for its ability to weather the storm. Even stating that “Florida will continue to lead the way in election administration” despite the hurricane.
“In the wake of Hurricane Ian, the Florida Department of State has worked with Florida’s Supervisors of Elections and Governor DeSantis to ensure that the 2022 General Election is administered as efficiently and securely as possible across the state and in the counties that received the heaviest damage,” said Secretary Byrd.
“Florida will continue to lead the way in elections administration in 2022, and I am grateful for and confident that our local elections officials will have all of the resources and support they need to run another successful election,” concluded Byrd.
According to the press release, there has been no reported damage to voting machines and “all election-related equipment” as the state gears up for the midterms, less than a month away.
