In recent years, there has been a growing trend of voter suppression tactics aimed at restricting access to the ballot box. One such tactic has been enacted in Florida, where a new law has nearly killed campus voter registration drives.
The law, known as HB 7066, was signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis in May 2019 and went into effect on October 1, 2019. The law imposes strict regulations on third-party organizations conducting voter registration drives, making it more difficult for groups to register new voters on college campuses.
Under the new law, any organization conducting voter registration drives must register with the state and submit detailed reports on their activities. Additionally, individuals collecting voter registration forms must turn them in within 48 hours or face hefty fines. These burdensome requirements have made it nearly impossible for organizations to conduct successful registration drives on college campuses.
The impact of this law has been devastating for organizations like the League of Women Voters, Rock the Vote, and other groups that rely on campus voter registration drives to engage young voters. These groups have reported a significant decrease in voter registrations since the law went into effect, with some campuses seeing a drop of up to 90%.
The justification for HB 7066 was to prevent voter fraud and ensure the integrity of the electoral process. However, critics argue that the law is a thinly veiled attempt to suppress the vote, particularly among young voters who are more likely to register as Democrats. By making it more difficult for organizations to register new voters on college campuses, lawmakers are effectively disenfranchising a key demographic.
The impact of this law could have far-reaching consequences for future elections in Florida. With fewer young voters registering to vote, the state could see a decrease in voter turnout and a less diverse electorate. This not only undermines the principles of democracy but also perpetuates a system that benefits those in power at the expense of marginalized communities.
In response to this law, advocacy groups and student organizations have been working tirelessly to educate young voters about the new requirements and encourage them to register to vote before the upcoming elections. Despite the challenges posed by HB 7066, these groups remain dedicated to ensuring that every eligible voter has the opportunity to participate in the democratic process.
As the 2022 midterms approach, it is more important than ever to push back against voter suppression efforts and protect the right to vote for all Americans. By raising awareness about the impact of laws like HB 7066 and mobilizing young voters to overcome these barriers, we can work towards a more inclusive and representative democracy.
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