Sunshine Sentinel

The Florida State Attorney’s Office for the 4th Judicial Circuit has decided to drop all charges against an 18-year-old man from Neptune Beach, Florida. The individual had been accused of brandishing a machete at a polling place in Duval County during early voting for the 2024 General Election. The charges included aggravated assault, improper exhibition of a firearm or dangerous weapon, and voter intimidation directed at two women aged 71 and 54.

In reaction to this decision, several voting rights groups in Florida have expressed their concerns. Amy Keith, Executive Director of Common Cause Florida, stated: “The actions exhibited in this case caused fear and harm, and undoubtedly constitute voter intimidation. Across this country, the law is simple: It is your right to vote without intimidation. Threats aimed at voters are against the law in every state. Floridians deserve a State Attorney who will protect their right to vote, free from intimidation, not excuse illegal threatening behavior as simply ‘tool’ carrying and ‘zealous’ support.”

Chanae Jackson from Florida For All described the incident as more than just a disruption: ”This incident was more than a random disruption. It was an act of terror, part of a larger pattern of extreme behavior fostered by leadership that emboldens dangerous, divisive actions."

Kirk Bailey of All Voting is Local Florida emphasized that voter intimidation is illegal under Florida law: “Simply put, voter intimidation is a crime. Even attempting to block an eligible voter from casting their ballot is illegal under Florida law... It is disconcerting to see a state prosecutor fail voters in such an egregious matter."

Adora Obi Nweze from the NAACP Florida State Conference insisted on protection for voters: "Florida voters deserve to be protected from intimidation as they cast their ballot during an election... The failure to hold perpetrators accountable for such heinous behavior is a breach of trust to all Florida voters."

Cecile Scoon and Debbie Chandler from the League of Women Voters of Florida also voiced their disapproval: “The League of Women Voters of Florida stands for the rule of law... No one should be allowed to threaten others at or near a voting precinct."

These statements reflect widespread concern among voting rights advocates regarding the implications of dismissing such cases.