We won.
Yesterday, Federal Judge Robert L. Hinkle issued an order to permanently remove some of the most restrictive parts of Florida’s new voter registration laws. The laws would have made it harder for student governments and groups like us to help young people register to vote.
I am excited that we can now do even more with the Florida PIRG’s New Voters Project – our statewide non-partisan effort to help students register and vote. Yesterday, interns and volunteers celebrated by hitting the student unions and classrooms to help register voters. By registering and voting in big numbers in 2012, we can ran raise the voice of young people, together.
Want to join us? Click here to volunteer with our New Voters Project.
It’s been a long fight. In December, we filed a lawsuit with the League of Women Voters of Florida, and Rock the Vote, to challenge the restrictions. In May, Judge Hinkle temporarily blocked enforcement of the law, saying the restrictions violated the U.S. Constitution and federal law. And after yesterday’s ruling, the worst parts of the law are finally dead for good.[1][2][3]
We’re committed to help increase civic engagement in Florida, and are excited to continue our work expand voter participation among young people.
I hope you can join us.