TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - Governor Rick Scott's decision to block students at the University of Florida from voting is drawing sharp criticism. House Democratic Leaders are now responding to a recent interpretation by the governor's administration that the Reitz Union on the University of Florida campus in Gainesville isn't an acceptable location for early voting.
The following are statements provided by Florida House Democratic Caucus members:
Statement from House Democratic Leader Perry Thurston (D-Fort Lauderdale:
"Governor Scott and state elections officials seem once again to be trying to suppress the vote of university students and other Floridians. I urge him to stop laying roadblocks to voting. The governor should do more to encourage, not discourage, voting among young people who are interested and engaged citizens."
Statement from Representative Janet Cruz (D-Tampa), Democratic Ranking Member, House Ethics & Elections Subcommittee:
"To promote student participation in elections and to be consistent with the Legislature's intent to encourage early voting at community centers, I would hope that state officials quickly revisit their decision regarding early voting at the Reitz Union."
