Williams speaks out against restrictive election reforms

Rep. Alan Williams (D-Tallahassee) recently voiced his disappointment with Gov. Rick Scott for signing of the Election Bill (HB 1355) into law. The bill shortens the two-week window for early voting and places new restrictions on third-party registration groups.

“As elected officials, we should not be implementing policies that stimulate voter suppression," Williams said. "There are many people who have protested, marched and died to create an environment that encourages and guarantees the right to vote for all citizens. This bill dissipates several strides that have been made by those who have fought to ensure equal voting rights."

Williams believes that the bill will have a disproportionate impact on specific voting groups.

“Critics have long said that this legislation makes it harder for college students and minorities to participate in the electoral process due to restrictions on polling locations as well as well as the shortening of the early vote period,” Williams said. “Any piece of legislation that adversely impacts a targeted group of voters should not be sustained.”