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April 28, 2022

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis Signs Bill Establishing Election Police Force
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Florida Governor Ron De Santis has signed a bill establishing a
first-of-its-kind elections police force. The Republican-authored bill
creates the "Office of Election Crimes and Security," staffed by about
25 new law enforcement positions. Democrats and voting rights advocates
sounded alarm over the plan, which could see people fined or jailed for
things that were commonly accepted until a recent voter suppression bill
became law - such as gathering ballots at churches or community centers
before dropping them off at an official election drop box.

Democratic state Representative Yvonne Hayes Hinson said the new law
solves a problem that does not exist. She added, "Its implementation
will put up additional barriers to voting and targets communities of
color. This bullying tactic will intimidate and immobilize workers,
families, and everyday people."


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