Amy Keith Executive Director Common Cause Florida | Common Cause Florida
Amy Keith Executive Director Common Cause Florida | Common Cause Florida
Senator Tina Polsky and Representative Lindsay Cross have introduced SB 1486 and HB 1317 in the 2025 Legislative Session. The bills aim to provide more voting options for communities affected by disasters. This initiative, known as the Disaster-Affected Voter Bill of Rights, seeks to ensure equal voting opportunities for those impacted by natural disasters.
The bill would be applicable to counties recognized by the Federal Emergency Management Agency for assistance or those declared in a state of emergency by the Governor. Senator Polsky emphasized that this legislation is designed to "level the playing field" for voters across all counties affected by disasters. She stated, “Floridians deserve the peace of mind that, even in the face of natural disasters like hurricanes, they will be able to easily and fully participate in our elections.”
Representative Lindsay Cross highlighted past experiences with Hurricanes Helene and Milton, noting how residents were concerned about their ability to vote amid recovery efforts. She remarked, “Natural disasters shouldn’t prevent voters from casting a ballot... These changes will ensure that, come hell or high water, Floridians can exercise their right to vote.”
Voting rights groups such as the Southern Poverty Law Center, Common Cause Florida, and All Voting is Local Action have expressed support for this bill. Aurelie Colon Larrauri from the Southern Poverty Law Center pointed out last year's destructive hurricane season and thanked Polsky and Cross for their sponsorship.
Brad Ashwell from All Voting is Local Action commented on Florida's election timing coinciding with hurricane season. He stressed that natural disasters should not politicize voting access: “This bill ensures that a hurricane wouldn’t automatically make it harder for Floridians to vote.”
Amy Keith from Common Cause Florida underscored the importance of providing equal voting opportunities: “It is common sense to make sure that voters in all counties affected by a disaster have the same opportunities to vote.”
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