Critics stated the transfer would create confusion, whereas Mark Herron, an election regulation lawyer who represents Florida Democrats, was fearf
Critics stated the transfer would create confusion, whereas Mark Herron, an election regulation lawyer who represents Florida Democrats, was fearful the listing could be used to problem election outcomes.
Lee pressured that her workplace was transferring methodically and was ensuring it had up-to-date data — together with whether or not or not somebody had lately paid off their courtroom money owed. She stated the state has began sending information all the way down to native supervisors — who’ve the final word say on whether or not to take away a voter — however that on the present tempo fewer than 100 voters could be recognized between now and Election Day.
“We’re working very laborious to make sure that we conduct an intensive assessment of those voter data earlier than they’re forwarded,” Lee stated.
Weighing in on an ongoing controversy in South Florida, Lee stated that Florida election officers can not deny somebody entry to in-person voting in the event that they fail to put on a masks. Early voting acquired began in additional than 50 counties on Monday and greater than 300,000 folks voted throughout the first day.
“We is not going to be turning voters away,” Lee stated. “Nevertheless, we’re working very laborious to make sure that in-person voting is saved secure, that precinct places are sanitized and social distancing is noticed. Voters are all being inspired to put on masks out of courtesy for fellow voters and election employees.”
Some Broward County officers need voters saved out of the polls in the event that they fail to put on a masks as required by native ordinances. State Sen. Gary Farmer, the incoming Senate Democratic chief, on Monday tweeted out “Once more, all regulation enforcement businesses in Broward, PLEASE ENFORCE THE LAW….no masks, no vote is the one enforcement!”
Florida’s pivotal position on this 12 months’s elections additionally comes 4 years after Russian hackers efficiently accessed the voter registration programs of two counties, a undeniable fact that was not recognized publicly till final 12 months. Lately, a bunch of pc scientists additionally raised questions on whether or not or not one of many predominant voting programs utilized in Florida is susceptible.
Lee, nonetheless, maintained the state has taken a number of steps since 2016 to harden defenses of state and native programs, together with beefing up spending on cybersecurity efforts and making a stand-alone cybersecurity unit contained in the Division of State. The state additionally performed a danger evaluation for all 67 counties, though it has saved the outcomes of that evaluation secret.
“We’ve labored hand in hand with all 67 supervisors of election over the past 12 months and a half to mitigate or handle any vulnerabilities we recognized,” Lee stated.