This bill amends various sections of Florida election law to enhance the verification of United States citizenship for voter registration. It introduces a new definition for "document acceptable as evidence of United States citizenship," which includes items such as a birth certificate, passport, and naturalization certificate. The bill revises the uniform statewide voter registration application to require applicants to acknowledge that submitting false information is a felony and mandates that the online voter registration system verify applicants' citizenship status. Additionally, it requires the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles to assist in verifying citizenship status and provides procedures for supervisors of elections to verify voter eligibility and update records. Notably, the bill deletes certain provisions related to the reporting of changes in voter information and modifies requirements for candidate nominations based on party affiliation and name changes.

Further amendments focus on the processes surrounding voter eligibility and registration, including stipulations that if a supervisor of elections determines a registered voter is ineligible, they must remove the voter's name from the statewide voter registration system and notify the voter of their right to appeal. The bill also establishes new restrictions for individuals qualifying for public office, requiring candidates to have been registered members of their political party for at least 365 consecutive days prior to qualifying and prohibiting candidates who have legally changed their names from qualifying for office within 365 days of the name change. Additionally, the bill modifies language regarding voting procedures, emphasizes the use of official ballots, and updates the timing of meetings for the Elections Canvassing Commission to certify election returns. Overall, the bill aims to strengthen the integrity of the voter registration process and streamline election procedures.

Statutes affected:
S 1334 Filed: 97.051, 97.0525, 98.045, 98.093, 101.151, 101.5606, 101.56075, 101.5608, 101.5612, 101.591, 101.5911, 101.595, 102.111, 102.166
S 1334 c1: 97.0525, 98.015, 98.045, 101.151, 101.56075, 101.5608, 101.5612, 102.111, 102.166, 121.121
S 1334 c2: 97.0525, 98.015, 98.045, 101.151, 101.5606, 101.56075, 101.5608, 101.5612, 102.111, 102.166, 121.121