Generally positive reviews of early voting process so far
August 13, 2008
Reports so far, mostly out of South Florida, cast a positive review on the first days of early voting using paper ballots in formerly touchscreen locations. The Sun Sentinel ran one article titled “Paper ballots get rave reviews” in Broward County, and another article titled “Computer problems frustrate some on first day of early voting,” related to some delays in Palm Beach County because of problems with the state voter registration system. The Miami Herald proclaimed “No hitches, no glitches on first day of voting” and a UPI wire story stated “Early Florida voting goes flawlessly.”
More rumblings about paper ballots - new voter intent rule in September
August 11, 2008
The St. Pete Times published an article today about concerns about the potential problems with paper ballots and recounts. What I found most interesting is the news that the State intends to issue a new “voter intent” rule on September 28th - in between the primary and general elections. This rule deals with how local canvassing boards should determine whether a voter intended to mark a vote selection when a question arises. The existing rule is published by the State online, along with an example sheet.
The proposed rule has been in the works for months, but the link on the State’s website to the notice of rule does not lead anywhere and has the odd name of http://election.dos.state.fl.us/rules/proposed-rules/pdf/R1S-2.027Stand4DeterVoterChoice.pdf - certainly not the best file naming idea.
Early voting begins - runs through August 24th
August 11, 2008
Early voting in Florida for the August 26th primary election has begun - the State has published a master list of early voting sites for all counties.
4 Weeks until Primary Early Voting
July 15, 2008
Yes, believe it or not, the Florida Primary (the primary for Congress, State and Local races, not the Presidency) will arrive soon, courtesy of early voting beginning on August 11, 2008. This article reminded me that this will be the first large scale early voting in the larger Florida counties using paper ballots and optical scan equipment. The most populous Florida counties had been using touchscreen voting machines since the 2002 election cycle; having left the punch card behind after that technology was decertified after the 2000 election. How will voters react? Will voters be surprised that the technology offered has changed for the 2nd time this decade? Will the addition of optical scan equipment to early voting sites cause delays?
The last day to register to vote in the Florida Primary is July 28th, 2008.
DOJ settles Osceola School Board Voting Rights Case
April 17, 2008
The U.S. Department of Justice has announced it has settled with Osceola County, resolving a challenge to the county’s School Board districts under the Voting Rights Act. Last week, according to the Orlando Sentinel, the School Board adopted the new districts enhancing the chances of electing a Hispanic candidate for the first time.
Federal Judge upholds Florida 29 day voter registration requirement
March 27, 2008
The Miami Herald is reporting that the requirement in Florida that voters register 29 days before an election was held to be reasonable and not imposing a severe burden on constitutional rights by a Federal Judge in Miami . The Elections Supervisors (Broward, Duval, Miami-Dade, Orange, and Palm Beach Counties) in the case previously settled the case, agreeing to pay fees and to institute a “grace period” for voter registrations if such a change were allowed by law. To date, I am not aware of any such change.
Florida re-do of primary dead for now.
March 18, 2008
The NY Times and other sources are reporting the Florida Democratic Party has given up on the idea of a new primary before the party’s summer convention. Since the idea is still alive in Michigan, I’d be surprised if more discussion doesn’t happen, at least while the Florida Legislature is still in session. The reasons given in Florida appear to be costs, ongoing change of voting technology, and the need to preclear changes under Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act.
New Florida Presidential Preference Vote a possibility
March 6, 2008
Since this issue is getting bipartisan attention, with the statements from the Florida and Michigan governors, I thought I’d start writing about it here. As you know, the Florida Presidential Preference Primary was moved earlier this year. As a result, the Democratic National Committee has reportedly stated the Florida vote would not count towards delegates at this summer’s convention. According to reports, the Republican National Committee will only reduce Florida’s delegate count by 50%. With the Democratic race still to be decided, the question of a new vote in Florida continues to come up in the media. This will be interesting to watch as the Presidential Preference Primary is spelled out in statute - a repeat election could cause all sorts of challenges determining what rules to apply. I’ll write more about the statutory issues as this debate goes on.