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Florida Primary Certification Deadline Approaches; Common Cause Florida Offers Reflection on Primary

During the primary election, Common Cause Florida and other partner organizations highlighted some of the main issues their nonpartisan poll monitors encountered.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. –  Wednesday, August 28 is the certification deadline for all Florida counties to finalize and officially certify the local county results from the Florida Primary election. Voters can view final totals here.  The Election Canvassing Commission meets the following day to certify the multi-county and statewide results.

According to the Florida Division of Elections, more than 3 million Florida voters participated in Tuesday’s primary election, for a 22.39% turnout.

During the primary election, Common Cause Florida and other partner organizations highlighted some of the main issues their nonpartisan poll monitors encountered: 

  • Aggressive electioneering inside and outside of the 150ft “no solicitation” zone
  • Poor signage at polling locations leading to voters not being sure where to go
  • Voter confusion about when and where to drop off their vote-by-mail ballot or where to vote in person on Election Day
  • Police or security presence at polling locations, which can be intimidating for voters

In response to the primary election, Amy Keith, Executive Director of Common Cause Florida issued the following statement:

“No matter the outcome, we must all accept the results of a free, fair, and secure election. 

“We always hope to see higher voter turnout and we believe the fact that many voters did not know they needed to re-request their vote-by-mail ballot may have impacted turnout in the Primary. 

“However, we were pleased to see a great number of voters show up to the polls last Tuesday and we look forward to the certification of all final results on Wednesday as Florida’s Canvassing Boards are working to count every eligible vote correctly and efficiently. We owe election workers our gratitude for the hard work they’ve done and continue to do, especially in the face of added challenges and threats.

“We can continually improve our elections and our democracy by expanding accessibility — making it easier to vote by mail and expanding early voting options, for example — so more Floridians can have a say in the future they want to build for their families and communities. 

“Voters must remember that election disinformation doesn’t end at 11:59 p.m. on Election Day. Floridians must continue to remain vigilant and rely on trusted and official information sources. 

“As we celebrate another successful Florida election, it’s also important to look forward to the General Election.

“We want to ensure that, come November, voters don’t experience any confusion about when, where and how to cast their ballot. That’s why we encourage Florida Voters to make a plan to vote early in person or by mail in the General Election, and help their friends and family make a plan to vote, to ensure all our voices are heard.”

 

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