As the upcoming elections draw near, voter outreach groups in several states, including Florida, Kansas, Missouri, and Texas, are facing challenges due to new voting restrictions enacted by Republican-led legislatures since 2021.
In Florida, a law signed by Governor Ron DeSantis imposed stringent regulations on third-party voter registration organizations. These regulations include fines for staff or volunteers with felony convictions or non-U.S. citizenship, reduced timeframes for returning registration applications, and increased fines for violations.
These laws have directly impacted organizations like the Equal Ground Education Fund and the League of Women Voters, forcing them to alter their operations. The Equal Ground Education Fund had to cease in-person voter registration activities, leading to staff cuts and reduced funding. The League of Women Voters shifted to digital outreach, highlighting the challenges of maintaining personal connections with communities.
Similar challenges were faced by voter outreach groups in other states. MOVE Texas adjusted its operations in response to Texas' election overhaul, while Loud Light Kansas had to halt registration efforts due to concerns about potential legal repercussions.
In Missouri, new legislation bans compensation for voter registration assistance and requires registration with the secretary of state's office for those helping more than 10 people register. This has raised privacy concerns and legal challenges from organizations like the Missouri Voter Protection Coalition.
Experts in voting rights anticipate ongoing attempts to restrict voting and the activities of voter outreach groups in Republican-controlled states. The efforts to target third-party voter registration groups are part of a broader trend in state legislatures addressing voting policies.
Despite legal challenges and advocacy efforts, the impact of these laws on voter registration and engagement remains a significant concern as the country approaches the upcoming elections.
