DeSantis Vetoes Bill that Allows Students to Volunteer at Polling Places

Pettiness over policy. That is what Governor DeSantis displayed by vetoing HB 461.

Rather than embracing a bipartisan effort to strengthen civic engagement, the Governor rejected an opportunity to inspire the next generation of Floridians to participate in our democracy.

Equal Ground proudly supported this legislation and testified in favor of it because we believe every young person should have the opportunity to experience democracy firsthand..

The Governor's justification for this veto is as disappointing as the veto itself. Instead of addressing the merits of the legislation, he focused on the organizations that supported it.

That's not leadership. Public policy should be driven by what's best for Floridians, not by political grievances. Who supports a good idea should never matter more than the people who stand to benefit from it.

Young people should never lose opportunities to learn, serve, and engage because of political grievances. If we want a stronger democracy tomorrow, we should be investing in the civic leaders of today, not shutting the door on them.

Florida's students deserve better. Our democracy deserves better.