The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) has filed an emergency motion in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida, seeking to extend the voter registration deadline. This action comes as Floridians deal with consecutive hurricanes, Helene and Milton, which have disrupted essential services during the final days of voter registration.
Matletha Bennette, senior staff attorney for voting rights at the SPLC, emphasized that "Floridians are reeling from Hurricane Helene and preparing for the impending threat of Hurricane Milton — and should not be forced to choose between safety and exercising their fundamental right to vote." She noted that despite appeals from organizations like the League of Women Voters of Florida, state leaders did not extend the deadline even though various means of registration were inaccessible due to storm-related shutdowns.
Cecile M. Scoon, Esq., and Debbie Chandler, Esq., co-presidents of the League of Women Voters of Florida, expressed concern over Governor DeSantis's response. They stated that "Gov. DeSantis has shown little regard for the storm's impact on voting rights," criticizing his decision not to extend deadlines while issuing evacuation orders. The League is now turning to legal avenues to ensure citizens can register post-storm safely.
Celina Stewart, CEO of the League of Women Voters of the United States, highlighted that states must facilitate safe electoral participation after natural disasters. "Voters deserve compassion and flexibility after these catastrophic events," she said.
Adora Obi Nweze, president of FL NAACP, reiterated this stance by saying that failing to extend deadlines could suppress millions during a critical election period. She affirmed that "times of crisis call for concrete actions" and committed to continuing efforts for fair voter turnout.