DeSantis proposes $21.6 million for election integrity, election crimes office

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Gov. Ron DeSantis proposed around $21.6 million to safeguard the integrity of future elections as a part of his recommended $114.4 billion “Focus on Florida’s Future” budget for fiscal year 2024-2025.

The governor’s office said the $21.6 million will safeguard the integrity of future elections and shield the state from cyber threats, fraud and other irregularities.

Part of that proposal includes $2.5 million for the modernization of the Florida voter registration system and an additional $1 million designated for bolstering election security.

A large majority of the $21.6 million includes more than $19.3 million for various elections expenses including more than $5 million for salaries and benefits.

Of the $19.3 million, more than $2.1 million would go toward the statewide voter registration system, $2 million for advertising proposed amendments, more than $2.4 million for contracted services, and $1.5 million for aid to local governments in special elections.

The rest of the $19.3 million would be distributed toward various other categories such as election fraud prevention and risk management insurance.

About $2.2 million will be dedicated toward the Office of Election Crimes and Security, including nearly $1.5 million toward salaries and benefits.

Of the $2.2 million for that Office of Election Crimes and Security, around $224,000 will go toward general expenses, about $411,000 for contracted services, and $10,000 will be for purchasing equipment, with the remainder going toward various other categories such as risk management insurance and human resources.

According to the governor’s office, Florida is recognized for its commitment to fair and precise elections on a national scale. The state acknowledges the ongoing necessity for careful oversight to uphold the integrity of its electoral processes.

This funding underscores the state’s dedication to preventing election fraud and ensuring accountability for any violations of election laws.

DeSantis signed a law to establish the Office of Election Crimes and Security in 2022.

“Since the formation of the Office of Election Crimes and Security, we have held illegal voters and our election officials accountable, cracked down on ballot harvesting, and strengthened ID requirements for mail-in ballots,” DeSantis said over the summer. “In Florida, we will not allow anyone to circumvent the will of the people or the law.”

The bill establishing the office was brought by Sen. Travis Hutson, R-Palm Coast, and Rep. Daniel Perez, R-Miami.