Walker’s decision also put Florida under the Voting Rights Act, which requires the state to seek federal approval for any future changes to the electoral code that are similar to provisions blocked by a judge Thursday. “This is the judicial equivalent of knocking on the table,” Florida Gov. Ron Desantis, a Republican, told a news conference Thursday. “And I think it was executive partisanship.” “I think this will be reversed in the appeal,” he added, “the only question being how fast.” Officials at the minister’s offices and the attorney general did not immediately comment on the decision. The repealed measures were part of a law known as SB 90, which was passed last year amid a series of restrictive nationwide voting laws inspired in part by former President Donald Trump’s lies about massive electoral fraud in 2020. . Walker’s decision, however, linked the new restrictions to Florida’s history of discriminating against colored voters, as well as modern evidence that supporters of the 2021 measure knew it would disproportionately burden black voters. “In summary, this Court concludes that to the extent that promoting voter confidence or preventing voter fraud may have in part motivated the legislature, this Court finds that the legislature passed SB 90 with a view to to “restructure Florida’s electoral system in ways that favor the Republican Party over the Democratic Party,” the judge said. the Legislature has enacted some of the provisions of SB 90 to target black voters because of their tendency to favor Democratic candidates. “ In particular, the judge blocked the provisions of the law that restrict the availability of postal ballots. its restrictions on providing assistance such as water, fans and snacks to those waiting in line to vote; and its stricter voter registration rules. Walker said the provisions violate the Voting Rights Act, as well as the 14th and 15th Amendments to the Constitution. Walker went a step further by putting Florida under the Voting Rights Act, known as the preclearance, which requires some states to seek redress from a federal judge or the Department of Justice when they make changes to their voting rules. For the next 10 years, under his government, the state will have to seek preliminary approval for laws and regulations regarding voter registration movements, missions or so-called line overheating activities. “Without prior approval, Florida could continue to enact such laws, replacing them at every legislative hearing if the courts view them with skepticism. Such a plan mocks the rule of law,” Walker wrote. Walker also linked the voting right to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. “The current war in Ukraine, in which the Ukrainian people are fighting and dying to maintain the freedoms we take for granted – that is, the right to have a voice and not to be ruled by a despot – is a painful reminder of both value and “the fragility of democracy,” the judge wrote. Amia Trigg, senior adviser to the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund – one of the groups challenging the Florida law – said Walker’s decision “recognized that the SB 90 is the latest milestone in a long history of voting laws.” restricting the political participation of blacks. “ CNN’s Fredreka Schouten, Steve Contorno and Marshall Cohen contributed to this story.
