Civic Empowerment - Voter Protection

Your Voice:

What Legislative actions would you propose to ensure ballot security, improve voter access, and promote voter participation in elections?

Our Reply:

This year we celebrate the 152th anniversary of the US Constitution’s 15th Amendment – “Voting Rights for African-American Men and Men of other ethnic groups” and the 102th Anniversary of the 19th Amendment – “Voting Rights for All Women to Vote.” We are reminded that voting is just that - a constitutional right. We are using the definition* of ballot security as “a variety of practices that are carried out by political operatives and private groups with the state goal of preventing voter fraud. The battle continues today for the benefactors of these amendments to cast their votes without restrictions and interruptions.

Here in Florida, an individual is considered an adult at the age of 18 and eligible to vote. Our campaign is of the opinion that since voting eligibility is automatic at the age of 18, therefore voter registration should occur automatically. We support legislation which:

Recognizes when an individual receives their identification card or a driver’s license at the age of 18, they would automatically receive their voter’s registration card. Their voter registration is valid for their lifetime. Expiring upon the filing of their death certificate or by acquiring an identification card or driver’s license issued by another State. (As the division of motor vehicles shares outstanding fines and other data, little if any additional inter-state procedures are necessary.)
Classifies voter suppression as a felony with at least eight years in prison and fines of at least $15,000 for each action.
Training for law enforcement on voter suppression with emphasizes on harsher penalties for law enforcement violators.
For everyone, not just the retired, Statewide uniformity of early voting days (no more days varying by counties) and time (7 am–7 pm or 10 am–8 pm versus 10 am – 6 pm) which supports the average worker who workday starts at 8 am and ends at 5 pm.
Mandatory post-election audits.

*Definition as published in a 2012 study by Wendy Weiser and Vishal Agraharkar “Ballot Security and Voter Suppression: What It Is And What The Law Say.”