Legislation that would create a process for registering to vote online got its “day in court” Monday, but isn’t going anywhere this legislative session. A bill sponsored by state Sen. Jeff Clemens, D-Lake Worth, would require the Department of State to set up a website that would allow for online registration, which is in 13 states, by July 2015. Because the Florida House has decided it won’t pass any voting-related legislation this session, it means the Senate bill doesn’t have a companion in that chamber or a chance of passing. “This bill is not moving in the House, which is no big surprise to anyone,” said state Sen. Jack Latvala, R-St. Petersburg, chairman of the Ethics and Elections Committee.
Clemens acknowledges his bill likely isn’t going anywhere this session, but did try to address concerns over safety and potential voter fraud by stressing the registrations are cross-checked with existing state records.
“One of the things this system does that increases security, it auto checks these registrations with the DMV files,” he said. “By doing that we are taking the extra step to make sure those registrations are accurate.”
Full Article: Online voter registration appears dead in Florida this session » Naples Daily News.