For Immediate Release 
March 12, 2026

Tallahassee, FL – Earlier today the Florida Senate passed an amended version of House Bill 991. This bill is unnecessary and will make it harder to vote for American citizens who live in Florida. 

This legislation would require people to provide proof of citizenship via a birth certificate or passport when registering to vote in Florida. According to Voteriders 34.5 million Americans don’t have a current state-issued ID, and 21 million—1 in 10 eligible voters—don’t have easy access to a US birth certificate or passport. 

Under the amendments passed before bill approval Wednesday, these requirements will not go into effect for the 2026 Congressional and Statewide elections, but will go into effect in January 2027, be used during the 2028 presidential elections.

The following is a statement from Larry Hannan, communications and policy director at State Voices Florida. 

“This legislation is a solution in search of a problem. If it becomes law thousands of American citizens in Florida will be prevented from voting. We should be especially concerned about married women who change their names when they get married as this legislation will make it harder for them to prove who they are.”

“While we’re happy this won’t be in effect during the 2026 elections, delaying voter suppression is not enough. This legislation should not become law.”

Hannan added that there is no sign voter fraud is a problem in Florida, making the legislation unnecessary.

Contact: Larry Hannan/State Voices Florida
lhannan@statevoicesfl.org /(239) 253-8952

State Voices Florida is a statewide civic engagement organization committed to bringing together progressive 501(C)(3) organizations to work together in building power around civic issues.  You can learn more about the organization here.