Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced on Monday that the state will not be extending its voter registration deadline, despite the impending arrival of Hurricane Milton and the ongoing recovery efforts following the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene. The decision comes in response to calls from various voting rights groups urging for an extension to allow more time for residents in storm-affected areas to register.
DeSantis emphasized that there are no barriers preventing unregistered voters from registering before the original deadline on Monday. He encouraged individuals, particularly those in the Tampa Bay area, to take evacuation orders seriously as Hurricane Milton is expected to make landfall on Wednesday.
Despite the pleas from voting rights organizations to extend the registration deadline until October 15, DeSantis reiterated that the current deadline stands. The League of Women Voters of Florida, one of the groups advocating for an extension, expressed concerns about potentially disenfranchising individuals who have been impacted by natural disasters beyond their control.
In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which caused significant damage in Florida, Georgia, and North Carolina, election officials in those states have been working diligently to ensure that voters can securely cast their early ballots. The focus remains on facilitating voter participation while also addressing the challenges posed by the recent natural disasters.
