Federal judge blocks part of Florida election law: ‘Assault on right to vote’

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FLV) – On Monday, a federal judge issued a ruling that prevents Florida from enforcing certain provisions of its recent election integrity law.

Judge Mark Walker blocked the state of Florida from implementing restrictive measures regarding the handling of voter registration forms by non-citizens.

In addition, the court’s decision prohibits the enforcement of a provision in the elections law that forbids third-party voter registration organizations from retaining the personal information obtained during the process of registering new voters.

Walker referred to parts of the new law as “Florida’s latest assault on the right to vote.”

“One new provision bars noncitizens from registering citizens to vote, thus discriminating based on alienage,” Walker said in his 58-page ruling. “One of the most questionable classifications in equal protection jurisprudence.”

The NAACP and various voter registration groups filed a lawsuit against the state challenging specific provisions within a comprehensive elections bill signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis on the same day he announced his presidential candidacy.

Critics of the election law argue that these provisions create obstacles for voter registration in marginalized communities, while Republicans argue that they are aimed at enhancing election security.

Walker’s decision did not impact the remaining sections of the election law, one of which includes a provision that allows DeSantis to pursue a presidential campaign without having to resign from his position as governor.

The state is expected to appeal Walker’s ruling, which may lead to a definitive resolution regarding the provisions either being permanently invalidated or reinstated.

Walker’s past rulings on voting rights have resulted in varying outcomes in the appeals court. Notably, the most recent case saw an appeals court overturn Walker’s prior decision that had blocked restrictions on ballot drop boxes.