- SB 1752 introduces a significant provision in Section 3 of Section 101.592 within the Florida Statutes, mandating automatic manual counts in two randomly selected precincts per county. The Secretary of State will be responsible for the random selection, informing the county canvassing board at least 15 days before the election. However, the selected precincts will not be publicly disclosed until after the polls close on election day.
These manual counts must encompass a thorough tally of all election day votes for every race and ballot measure featured on the ballot in each of the two chosen precincts. The process is to be open to the public, with the county canvassing board providing notice of the date, time, and location in four prominent places within the county and on the supervisor of elections' website homepage.
Following the manual count, the county is required to compare the vote totals and report them to the Secretary of State by noon on the third day after any primary election and noon on the fifth day after any other election.
Should a substantial difference be identified that could impact the outcome of a race or ballot measure, the Secretary of State is obligated to order a countywide manual recount encompassing all election-day, vote-by-mail, early voting, provisional, and overseas ballots for that specific race or measure.
Any suspected irregularities or violations of election procedures in a county's voting systems will be referred to the Office of Election Crimes and Security for thorough investigation.
SB 1752 proposes stringent limitations on vote-by-mail ballot requests in Florida, introducing controversial measures that reshape the eligibility criteria. Currently, any registered Florida voter can request a mail-in ballot for multiple elections within a calendar year. However, under SB 1752, requesting a mail-in ballot would be restricted to a single election, accompanied by additional criteria defining who qualifies to make such requests.
To be eligible for a vote-by-mail ballot, voters must meet one of the following conditions:
- Absence from the county of residence
- Inability to appear personally at the early voting site or polling place due to illness, physical disability, or responsibilities related to the primary care of an ill or physically disabled individual, or due to hospitalization
- Residency or patient status at a U.S. Department of Affairs medical facility
- Absence from the legal residence due to confinement in jail, provided they remain qualified to vote in the precinct of their residence.
It's essential to note that these requirements do not apply to voters already entitled to vote by mail under the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act.
SB 1752 does proposes a more restrictive framework for vote-by-mail in Florida thereby forcing eligible voters to go to the polls to vote.
The proposed bill, though lengthy in its content, boils down to a profound impact on all Florida voters. As we look into the intricacies, it becomes apparent that beyond addressing specific concerns, this bill carries a heavy weight, stripping away the cherished freedom of choice for Florida voters who prefer to vote by mail.
We will keep you updated on Senate Bill 1752. You can read the proposed bill as it stands here.
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