Florida New Voter Law Requires Citizenship Proof; Lawsuits Filed

Florida voters must now show proof of citizenship to register, a change that has led to lawsuits from rights groups.
By Newsroom | Politics, Florida |

Governor Signs "SAVE Act," Facing Immediate Lawsuits

Governor Ron DeSantis has signed the Florida SAVES Act, a new law demanding voters provide proof of U.S. citizenship to register. This move, effective January, has triggered swift legal challenges from the ACLU and the NAACP, who have filed federal lawsuits aiming to overturn the legislation.

The core of the new law requires individuals to present documentation such as a birth certificate, passport, or Social Security card to verify their citizenship status when registering to vote. Proponents, including Governor DeSantis, assert the measure is crucial for safeguarding 'election integrity,' emphasizing that Florida's constitution restricts voting to citizens.

Opposition Cites Disenfranchisement Concerns

Civil liberties groups and voting rights advocates argue the law will disproportionately impact certain demographics. Concerns are raised about elderly voters, married women who may have name changes, and lower-income residents who might face difficulties in readily obtaining the required citizenship documents.

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Gov. DeSantis signs Florida Save Act as ACLU, NAACP sue to overturn it - 1

"I've seen the song and dance long enough," Governor DeSantis remarked at the bill signing, anticipating the legal pushback. He expressed confidence that these challenges would ultimately fail.

New Requirements and Potential Hurdles

The Florida SAVES Act introduces changes to voter identification protocols. While Florida already requires voters to attest to their citizenship, the new law adds a documentation hurdle at the point of registration. Election officials also face potential complications.

  • Documentation verification: Supervisors of elections may need new training to evaluate the various forms of proof presented by voters.

  • Data limitations: The SAVE system, used for verifying citizenship, relies on data from sources like the Social Security Administration. This system may not capture citizenship details for individuals born before the 1970s, potentially complicating verification for some long-term residents.

  • ID Updates: A separate provision mandates that new, replacement, or renewed driver's licenses and state ID cards must display the holder's legal status.

Candidate Disclosure Mandated

Beyond voter registration, the new legislation includes a provision requiring federal political candidates in Florida to disclose whether they intend to trade stocks while in office. Another provision requires candidates to declare if they hold dual citizenship with another country.

Legislative Context and Federal Parallel

The Florida SAVES Act mirrors a federal proposal, the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act. While the federal bill reportedly includes restrictions on mail-in ballots, the Florida version does not. The legal challenges follow closely on the heels of an executive order from President Donald Trump directing federal agencies to compile lists of U.S. citizens eligible to vote. Democratic elections lawyer Marc Elias had previously signaled his intent to file a lawsuit upon the bill's signing, a promise now fulfilled.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What new law did Florida Governor DeSantis sign about voting?
Governor DeSantis signed the Florida SAVES Act. This law requires people to show proof they are a U.S. citizen when they register to vote. It starts in January.
Q: Why are the ACLU and NAACP suing Florida over the new voter law?
The ACLU and NAACP say the new law could stop some people from voting. They worry it will be harder for older voters, women who changed their names, and poor people to get the needed papers.
Q: What kind of proof of citizenship is needed for Florida voters?
Voters will need to show documents like a birth certificate or passport to prove they are U.S. citizens. This is needed when they register to vote.
Q: What does Governor DeSantis say about the new voter law?
Governor DeSantis believes the law is important to make sure only citizens vote. He thinks the lawsuits against the law will not succeed.
Q: Are there other rules in the new Florida law besides citizenship proof?
Yes, the law also says political candidates must say if they plan to trade stocks while in office. They also must say if they have citizenship in another country.