How Florida is fighting voter intimidation

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WFLA) — There’s nothing stopping supporters who choose to hold placards over the 150-foot limit at Florida polls, but there’s something to be said for individuals who intimidate and threaten voters who cast ballots.

Florida Statutes 2024 states Chapter 104.0515“No person, whether by operation of law or otherwise, shall intimidate, threaten or coerce, or attempt to intimidate, threaten or coerce, any other person for the purpose of interfering with the right of such other person to vote or not to vote at the option of that person or for the purpose of inducing such other person to vote or not to vote for any candidate for any office at any general, special or primary election held solely or in part for the purpose of electing or electing any such candidate.”

Even with such punishment, two cases of election intimidation were registered in the state recently on October 3 and 24.

Police in Florida arrested a teenager who waved a machete at women at a polling station | WFLA

A man in Florida was arrested for intimidation of voters at the polling station: deputies

St. Pete College political scientist Tara Newsom said this election should bring peace, not violence.

“When you have political violence, like machetes at the polls, or anti-Semitic rhetoric being shouted at voters, it really shows the culture that has emerged over the last decade with changes in our politics,” Newsom said. “It normalizes not just differences, but also political violence. And this is simply unacceptable.”

Newsom added that voters should feel safe going to the polls, trusting local law enforcement and election supervisors. But she said one must be prepared for political differences and remember to model unity because whoever wins the 2024 presidential election, there is no room for violence.

“We are all Americans and Floridians before we are Republicans and Democrats,” Newsom said.

Pasco County Elections Supervisor Brian Corley added to the discussion, sharing that there seemed to be a sense of civility in the last few weeks of early voting, despite the two recent events.

“There’s definitely a sense of civility coming back to our early voting precincts — and I can only speak for the voters in my district. Voters seem more fun and talkative than in past elections,” Corley said. “As an American, it’s so nice to see that you can work out your differences and speak up and make your voice heard, but be nice and not rude.”

Corley assured voters that Pasco County deputies are the eyes and ears of the polls and patrol the perimeter to ensure they have a safe and enjoyable voting experience.

Election observers in Pasco and Hillsborough counties reported no incidents of voter intimidation.

Hillsborough County Elections Supervisor Craig Latimer said all poll workers are trained in de-escalation to help resolve any issues that may arise.

“If someone has a problem at the polls, they should report it to one of the poll workers immediately,” Latimer said.

News Channel 8 reached out to the Florida Department of State about this, and they said the department is facilitating weekly conversations with law enforcement partners to develop strategies to deal with any issues that arise during the election.

Below is the full statement from the department.

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