Marco Dems Learn About New Voter Suppression Laws

In connection with its get-out-the-vote efforts for both the August primary and November general elections, the Democratic Women’s Club of Marco Island welcomed Anne Daley and Marv Diamond, co chairs of voter protection for the Collier County Democrats, to its May meeting.

Speaking May 10 at Mackle Park to more than 50 club members and guests, Daley and Diamond outlined the provisions of recently passed Florida legislation that will make it more difficult for people to vote in Florida, regardless of their party affiliation. “We want to make sure that every vote counts,” said Daley, who explained her and Diamond’s roles as educators and advocates. The two oversee training for election monitoring that includes poll watching, poll greeting and ballot curing—a process by which voters notified of problems with their ballots can resolve issues with the Supervisor of Elections. They also maintain a working relationship with the Supervisor of Elections Office, which they praised for its dedication to getting people to vote.

Daley first addressed Senate Bill 90, which has added ID requirements, that stipulates voters must request mail-in ballots every election cycle rather than every other and restricts access to drop boxes previously relied upon by early voters. It also guarantees political campaigns and party officials access to the signature-matching process that is part of mail-in-ballot validation by Supervisor of Election offices across the state while restricting the activities of third-party voter registration organizations.

Diamond then discussed Senate Bill 524, which established an election police force initially designed to place officers around the state but since adapted to operate from Tallahassee. The bill also funds a voter fraud hotline, voter fraud education outreach, and an annual report to state officials on its findings. Notably, it bans the expenditure of private money to educate or register voters.

The nonpartisan League of Women Voters has deemed both bills unnecessary and has said it believes provisions of SB 524 will deter people from voting.

At the conclusion of their presentation, Daley and Diamond took questions from meeting attendees, most to do with requesting mail ballots and voting by mail. Following that, Karen Tessel-Blum conducted the club’s usual monthly business session during which Collier County state committeewoman & DWC Region Chair Jane Schlechtweg reported on the Democratic Women’s state convention attended by several club members. DWCMarco is proud to announce and congratulate Jane Schlechtweg, who received this year’s Outstanding Member of the Year award at the DWC Florida convention in Orlando. 

For more information on meetings, membership or supporting our charitable efforts go to dwcmarco.org or contact us at info@dwcmarco.org.