Voting rights advocates filed a federal lawsuit on Apr. 1 challenging Florida House Bill 991, a new law that requires documentary proof of citizenship for voter registration and continued eligibility. The plaintiffs argue the measure will disenfranchise eligible voters and create barriers to voting.
The lawsuit seeks to stop enforcement of the law before it takes effect in 2027, warning that thousands of Floridians may not have easy access to documents such as passports or birth certificates. Plaintiffs include the League of Women Voters of Florida, Florida Immigrant Coalition, Florida Rising, Common Cause, Hispanic Federation, and UnidosUS. They are represented by legal organizations including the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), ACLU of Florida, LatinoJustice PRLDEF, and Advancement Project.
Plaintiffs say that requiring additional documentation will make it significantly harder for certain groups—including naturalized citizens, low-income individuals, married women who have changed their names, students, voters with disabilities or from communities of color—to register or remain on voter rolls. The complaint argues this violates constitutional protections by imposing unlawful burdens on the right to vote.
Jessica Lowe-Minor, president of the League of Women Voters of Florida said: “Florida voters already confirm their citizenship when they register to vote. Instead of securing elections, HB 991 causes eligible voters to be disenfranchised.” She added: “No eligible Floridian should be pushed out of the voter rolls simply because of red tape.”
Amy Keith, Executive Director at Common Cause Florida said: “If this law stands, thousands of U.S. citizens will be removed from Florida’s voter rolls…with this bill legislators are purging the very voters who are suffering most from Florida’s affordability crisis.” Other leaders voiced similar concerns about negative impacts on marginalized communities and argued that documentary requirements do little to address rare instances of non-citizen voting.
Common Cause Florida works statewide across all 67 counties fostering inclusive governance for all Floridians according to its official website. The organization has thousands participating in advocacy efforts across the state according to its official website and aims through nonpartisan efforts to promote government transparency and accountability according to its official website. It has influenced reforms such as automatic voter registration and fair redistricting according to its official website, working collaboratively with election officials and other advocates statewide according to its official website.
The outcome could have implications beyond state borders if similar measures spread elsewhere. Plaintiffs urge courts not only declare House Bill 991 unlawful but also prevent officials from enforcing it.
