Today, U.S. District Judge Robert L. Hinkle refused to enact a motion for emergency relief in reopening Florida’s voter registration deadline after Gov. Ron DeSantis failed to extend the October 7 deadline, which fell between hurricanes Helene and Milton. Following this action the League of Women Voters of Florida co-presidents Cecile M. Scoon, Esq. and Debbie Chandler, Esq. released the following statement:
“The League of Women Voters of Florida is disappointed with Judge Hinkle’s decision to deny reopening of voter registration despite the devastation caused by two major hurricanes within a two-week span. Historically, voter registration in the final five days before the deadline has nearly matched the totals of several preceding months in Florida. The League believes that mandatory evacuations for both Hurricanes Helene and Milton left many citizens more focused on survival than on registering to vote. Florida residents should not have to juggle fleeing for their lives and protecting their property with fulfilling their civic duties. Numerous League voter registration events were canceled due to the hurricanes, further limiting opportunities for Floridians to register and learn about the importance of voting.”