Florida judge blocks voter registration limits

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U.S. District Judge Robert Hinkle temporarily blocked implementation of part of a law today that was poised to set Florida’s new limits on voter registration drives. Judge Hinkle says it’s likely unconstitutional and “harsh and impractical“.

The ruling is seen as a victory for minority groups and women that have challenged the provisions. Such provisions included requiring groups or individuals signing up voters to submit their registration forms to election officials within 48 hours of collecting them.

The judge called some of the provisions “burdensome record-keeping and reporting requirements that serve little if any purpose.” The provisions laid out by the Republican heavy legislature were aimed at suppressing turnout.

The other part of the law previously passed by the GOP-controlled legislature and signed by Gov. Rick Scott last year has been currently left intact. Judge Hinkle wrote a 27-page ruling issued today. In the ruling he wrote, “allowing responsible organizations to conduct voter-registration drives—thus making it easier for citizens to register and vote—promotes democracy.”

Follow Marquise Francis on Twitter @mKfly