TALLAHASSEE, FL — Following news reports of long lines and record turnout at early voting locations across the state, Florida Democratic Party Chairman Rod Smith today echoed former Senator and Florida House Democratic Leader Dan Gelber in calling on Gov. Rick Scott to extend early voting hours statewide through Sunday:
STATEMENT FROM FLORIDA DEMOCRATIC PARTY CHAIR ROD SMITH:
"In 2008, Floridians had 14 days of early voting — and Florida's then Republican governor still found it necessary to extend early voting. The long lines at the polls show it was clearly a mistake for the GOP controlled Legislature in Tallahassee to cut early voting in half — but it is past time for Governor Scott to show some leadership and fix that mistake. This is not a Democratic or Republican issue: protecting the right of every eligible Floridian to make their voice heard by participating in our democracy is an American responsibility which every elected leader has sworn to uphold and defend. In light of of the record turnout this year, we call on Governor Scott to extend early voting hours in every county across Florida through Sunday, so that Florida citizens can exercise their constitutionally guaranteed right and freedom to participate in this election.
"To all Floridians of whatever persuasion, do not be deterred from casting your vote. It is the sacred duty of every citizen."
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TALLAHASSEE, FL — Following Florida Governor Rick Scott's refusal to extend early voting hours in the wake of calls from the League of Women Voters, former Senator Dan Gelber and the Florida Democratic Party, the Florida Democratic Party issued the following statement:
STATEMENT FROM SCOTT ARCENEAUX, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE FLORIDA DEMOCRATIC PARTY:
"Once again, Rick Scott has sided against the people of Florida. In rejecting calls for an extension of early voting hours, Scott has failed in his constitutionally obligated duty, broken with the history of past Republican Governors and reminded Florida voters why they continue to hold a negative opinion of this Governor. The people of Florida will not forget his failure to stand up for their right to vote."
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TAMPA, FL — The Florida Democratic Party has filed a suit in federal court to extend early voting hours.
STATEMENT FROM FLORIDA DEMOCRATIC PARTY CHAIRMAN ROD SMITH:
“Voting is a fundamental right, and we all have an interest in assuring that all Americans have effective opportunities to vote. Florida’s Republican state legislature has already reduced the number of days to early vote by six days. Because of Gov. Scott’s refusal to follow precedent and extend early voting hours in the face of unprecedented voter turnout in South Florida, we are requesting in federal court that more Floridians have a meaningful chance to early vote."