Official Statement: Gov. DeSantis Signs New Voter Suppression Bill Claiming Election Integrity

Today, Governor Ron DeSantis signed House Bill 991, Voter Suppression Bill. Equal Ground’s Executive Director has issued the following statement. 

“We are highly disappointed, though not surprised, that Governor DeSantis has signed legislation that would block voting rights of Floridians.  We had hoped he would use his final Legislative session as Gov, to prioritize protecting democracy instead of restricting it. While we worked to delay implementation until 2027, we take no comfort in delayed suppression. Whether in 2026, 2027, 2028, or any other year, we reject any attempt to make it harder for Floridians to access the ballot box.

“People of color have fought long and hard for the freedom to vote in this country, against violence, intimidation, and systemic barriers. Now, more than sixty years after the passage of the Voting Rights Act, Tallahassee politicians are once again undermining that freedom by requiring U.S. citizens to provide documents like a birth certificate or passport just to register to vote. These policies function as modern-day poll taxes.

“Governor DeSantis and legislative leaders have made their choice. We will continue to fight back, organizing, educating, and ensuring our communities make their voices heard at the polls.”

Kiaira Nixon, Legislative Associate