Gov. DeSantis Signs Executive Order To Ensure Hurricane Helene Victims Have Voting Access

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed an executive order to ensure Floridians impacted by Hurricane Helene have the opportunity to vote.

According to Florida’s Voice, the order “extends deadlines for designating different early voting sites.”

“We did this to ensure that people are going to be able to vote regardless of this storm,” DeSantis said.

WATCH:

JUST IN: DeSantis signs executive order ensuring people can vote in November’s election in Helene-impacted areas by allowing more voting sites pic.twitter.com/XYUJ17iDfE

— Florida’s Voice (@FLVoiceNews) October 3, 2024

Per Florida’s Voice:

The order relaxes some regulations regarding vote-by-mail ballots – specifically, allowing voters to request a ballot to a different address from the on-file address. However, identity verification must still be applied.

It also lays out guidelines and incentives for state personnel to serve as poll workers in such counties.

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The order applies to Charlotte, Citrus, Dixie, Hernando, Hillsborough, Lee, Levy, Madison, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Sarasota and Taylor Counties.

Gov. Ron DeSantis is making sure Helene victims are able to vote with a new executive order https://t.co/ff89HSoCgv

— Florida’s Voice (@FLVoiceNews) October 4, 2024

“If there’s a polling place that has been destroyed, you have an ability to set up a different site, provide proper notice and follow all the rest of state law,” DeSantis said, according to FOX 13 Tampa Bay.

DeSantis signs executive order to make it easier for voters affected by Hurricane Helene to cast their ballot https://t.co/xxjER8ke7V

— FOX 13 Tampa Bay (@FOX13News) October 4, 2024

FOX 13 Tampa Bay reports:

Election Day is 32 days away, which means county election officials are busy making sure the voting process is transparent and secure. For those recovering from Hurricane Helene in hard-hit areas, including in Hillsborough County, officials are also ensuring they will have a chance to have their voices heard.

The Hillsborough County Canvassing Board conducted a public Logic and Accuracy test on Thursday morning to make sure their ballot voting machines are counting correctly for this upcoming November General Election.

They also tested their audit system for accuracy as well.

“We deal with misinformation and disinformation,” said Craig Latimer, Hillsborough County’s Supervisor of Elections. “It’s a shame there are people out there who are trying to undermine confidence in our election process, so to combat that is making sure we’re a trusted source of information.”

While the test was being conducted, Governor Ron DeSantis signed an executive order to make it easier for residents living in 10 counties affected by the hurricane to vote.

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This is a Guest Post from our friends over at 100 Percent Fed Up.

View the original article here.