Transcript:
Hi, I’m Larry Hannon, Communications & Policy Director at State Voices Florida. Earlier today, State Voices submitted a comment to the Election Assistance Commission (EAC) opposing the petition of the America First Legal Foundation, which was founded by Stephen Miller.

That petition is urging the CAC to adopt a new regulation that would require proof of citizenship before registering to vote. If this proposed regulation is adopted, it will make it much harder for regular Americans to cast a ballot.

Our statement to the EAC was “from closed polling places to limiting voting options, it is already harder for citizens in the South to vote. Adding a requirement that we show a passport birth certificate, or their citizenship papers to register will make it even harder. We fought and defeated poll taxes and literacy tests decades ago. Please don’t make a change that would take us backwards.”

The EAC is taking comments on this until Monday, October 20th. I would urge everyone to submit a comment if they can. Thank you.

Larry Hannan, Communications and Policy Director for State Voices Florida, at the Jacksonville, FL Pride Parade

Larry Hannan, Communications and Policy Director for State Voices Florida, speaks from in front of the Duval County Courthouse in Jacksonville, FL.

State Voices Florida Communications and Policy Director Larry Hannan spoke on Tuesday, April 8 before the Florida Senate Fiscal Policy Committee in opposition to SB 7016. This legislation would make it much harder to do constitutional amendments in Florida. 

While some claim it would prevent fraud, Hannan argued that there is very little fraud in Florida and when a petition is filled out incorrectly it is more likely due to ignorance or the exhaustion of the petition gatherer. Others also pointed out that mistakes are common in the petition process, for example someone putting USA or America down when asked to list the county they live in.

Hannan also defended the work of petition gatherers, pointing out that they work outside in extreme heat and hard rain because they believe in what they’re doing. And while some petition gatherers are paid, no one is getting rich filling out petitions. People do it because they believe in what the petition would do. 

Hannan finished by urging the committee to make the petition process easier instead of harder. Unfortunately, in a party line vote the Fiscal Policy Committee approved SB 7016. We will continue to work with our partners to defeat this bill and its House companion, HB 1205.

Please note: State Voices Florida does not endorse political candidates.

Please note: State Voices Florida does not endorse political candidates.

Please note: State Voices Florida does not endorse political candidates.

Please note: State Voices Florida does not endorse political candidates.

Please note: State Voices Florida does not endorse political candidates.