Voting Rights and Representation Suppressed in Florida
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is no stranger to lawsuits. Several have been brought against him in response to his refusal to allow school boards to implement any sort of mask mandates. In September of this year, a suit filed by the NAACP’s Florida chapter, the Dream Defenders, and other local progressive organizations resulted in the blocking of DeSantis’s infamous “anti-riot” bill, also known as House Bill 1. The bill that, among other things, granted immunity to anyone that drives through protestors blocking a road was struck down when a federal judge found it to be a “vague and overbroad” document that violates our First Amendment rights.
Most recently, a lawsuit has been filed against DeSantis by four Floridians that live in congressional districts 33, 88, and 94, respectively. Representatives from each of these districts made the decision to step down earlier this year to run for District 20’s House seat that became vacant following the tragic passing of the man that held it, Representative Alcee Hastings, earlier this year.
Until special elections are held to fill the open seats, the constituents of these districts will be left without representation. In the past, DeSantis has moved very quickly when it comes to scheduling special elections, sometimes doing so on the same day a seat has become vacant. Interestingly, now that special elections are necessary for three districts whose populations are primarily Black and democratic, the governor has chosen to drag his feet for over 75 days.
Not only is it grossly negligent for a governor to deprive his constituents of representation, but it is also explicitly against the Florida constitution. Floridians deserve better, and Rideshare2Vote is committed to helping them get it. We’ve already begun organizing across the state, laying the groundwork that will help to vote out DeSantis and every one of his cronies that are up for reelection with him. Florida is not a red state; it’s a rigged state. Help us change this by signing up to volunteer with us, donating, or scheduling your free ride to the polls today!
by Peyton Reese
