Welcome to

A 72 page bill to drastically change the state’s election laws is being discussed in a senate committee Thursday. Opponents of the legislation say it would keep thousands of people from voting. As Whitney Ray tells us, it would also penalize groups hosting voter registration drives if they don’t rush to turn in applications.

Voters rights advocates are livid over a last minute proposal to revamp Florida’s election laws.

“It’s like they looked at everything that went right last election, everything we did right, and said how can we make sure this never happens again,” said Heather Walker a spokeswoman with the League of Women Voters.

The bill provides strict penalties for groups failing to turn in voter application with in two days of a registration drive… discourages people from voting if they move within a month of an election… and forces TV cameras 100 feet away from voting lines.

“It’s the media that actually captures what goes on during early voting periods, Election Day, really captures the energy and the enthusiasm of voters, captures the reaction of them when they leave the polls,” Brad Ashwell, a spokesman with Florida PIRG said.

The bill does nothing to extend early voting hours or sites…even though the Governor saw the need to add hours last year. High early voter turnout traditionally favors Democrats. The changes are being pushed by Republicans.

Several republican senators, including the bill’s sponsor denied our request for an interview to discuss the legislation.

Democrat Charlie Justice voted against the bill.

“This is week seven of session after we’ve had weeks and weeks of meetings and this is just coming up now. It’s a little strange,” said Justice.

Passing the legislation before the end of session may only be the first hurdle. The bill would still have to get past Governor Crist who likes early voting. Opponents of the legislation say tightening the deadline to turn in voter applications gathered at registration drives would lead to more lawsuits and cost the state millions.