Florida is among 28 states that have implemented 67 total laws making voting more difficult since the 2020 election. This surge of legislation followed unfounded claims by former President Donald Trump that the election was stolen through fraud. Trump’s allegations have been a driving force behind these restrictions, despite evidence showing the 2020 elections were secure and credible. As a result, Florida’s new law, like similar legislation in other states, limits the accessibility of drop boxes, a decision that disproportionately affects Black, elderly, and disabled voters.
The law, enacted in 2021, imposes restrictions on ballot drop boxes, mandating that they be monitored by election staff and only accessible during early voting hours. This move, aimed at enhancing election security, has sparked debate and legal challenges from voting rights advocates.
Despite these challenges, some counties in Florida are adapting by increasing the number of drop-off locations to accommodate the growing population. Duval County, for instance, expanded from 19 drop-off locations in 2020 to 24 this year. The changes still pose significant challenges for those who previously relied on the convenience and accessibility of drop boxes in the past; similar to the other anti-voting legislation, it’s true impact will be seen on election night in November.
