Voting Rights Coalition Urges Jacksonville Area State Attorney to Reconsider Decision to Drop Charges in Clear Case of Voter Intimidation

February 3, 2025
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 3, 2025
MEDIA CONTACT: Larry Hannan, lhannan@statevoicesfl.org, (239) 253-8952

JACKSONVILLE- Today, a coalition of voting rights organizations from North Florida and across the state released a letter to State Attorney Melissa Nelson, urging her office to reconsider its decision to drop all charges in what appears to be a clear case of voter intimidation at a Duval County polling site during the 2024 General Election. The coalition warns that the failure to prosecute voter intimidation sets a dangerous precedent and undermines public confidence in free and fair elections.

The letter, signed by organizations such as Northside Coalition of Jacksonville, Jacksonville Branch NAACP, and Jacksonville Community Action Committee, expresses deep concern over the decision not to prosecute an individual who reportedly brandished a machete at a polling location, threatening two women exercising their democratic rights.

“The facts of the case as publicly reported appear very compelling: a man wielding a deadly weapon approached a polling location and engaged in threatening behavior towards supporters of one of the presidential candidates on the ballot,” the letter states. “Your office’s dismissal of this case undermines public confidence in the justice system and fails in its duty to protect Florida voters.”

The coalition emphasizes that voter intimidation is explicitly outlawed under Florida and federal law and calls on the State Attorney’s Office to reverse its decision. The letter warns that failing to act on such blatant intimidation could embolden further threats against voters in future elections.

“Every eligible voter in Florida has the right to cast their ballot free from threats, coercion, or fear of violence,” the letter continues. “Your decision not to pursue justice in this case directly contradicts that principle. Failing to prosecute voter intimidation weakens our democracy and puts all Floridians in danger.”

The coalition is demanding that the State Attorney uphold the law and take necessary action to ensure that voter intimidation is prosecuted to the fullest extent.

Read the letter here.