Despite the general clamor for election security, any legislation to verify citizenship, clean the voter rolls, secure absentee ballots, and address cybersecurity issues would have been dead for 2024 if it weren't for a handful of citizens showing up in Tallahassee. Let me explain.
In mid-November, approximately 35 Floridians from all parts of the state showed up at the Capitol, thinking they would advocate for legislative language that took months to develop. I was one of them. Much to our astonishment, the legislator who was supposed to sponsor did not come through; the language was not put into draft form, and the deadline was about to expire.
If you've been with me for a while, you might have picked up that I am a naturalized U.S. citizen. That means I was born elsewhere but am now proudly American. Given the border crisis, I certainly do not want my vote to be diluted with the thousands (if not millions) of recent immigrants who have been given social security cards and driver's licenses upon arrival in the U.S. Through loopholes in the current electoral system, non-citizens can register to vote since these documents do not prove that you are an American.
As I personally experienced, becoming a U.S. Citizen takes years to attain. In my case, from when I obtained a student visa, legal residence, and finally citizenship, it was total of 10 years. During this decade, I learned to appreciate the benefits of this country, its laws and forms of government, history, and traditions. By the time I was sworn in as a citizen, I was already part of the fabric that makes this nation so great and unique.
That is the way it used to be. Now, the bar is clanging on the floor. Millions are pouring into the country. Many are illiterate or do not speak English. Will they vote for fiscally conservative policies or for government handouts? Unbeknownst to them, some may have been registered to vote by persons or entities with election subversion in mind. The possibilities are numerous.
A study involving 9+ Florida counties: large, small, well-managed, and not-so-well-managed revealed 200+ security risks and a lack of standards that ranged from alarming to potentially problematic. For example, some drop boxes are anchored to the ground with a one-way slot, whereas others are pretty much akin to IKEA bags with a zipper with no one supervising the insertion (or extraction) of ballots. Some transportation practices allow ballots to be held overnight or weekends with the transporter. In other cases, there is no chain of custody from pickup to delivery of the ballots. No one would ever treat their money this way, why is our vote not given equal oversight and consideration?
Since the debacle of SB 7050, it was understood that the necessary laws to ensure election security were lacking. This bill’s language opened further loopholes, but it passed because DeSantis wanted to be able to run for President without having to resign as Governor.
For months, a team of dedicated citizens has been diligently crafting legislative "must-haves." Unfortunately, despite the assurances of a particular legislator, all this effort was about to be obliterated because he failed to deliver.
Nonetheless, thanks to the presence of citizens visiting Tallahassee in mid-November, we met the deadline and the language for the bills is now in draft form. Whew. Metaphorically speaking, the babies are alive, we got them to the orphanage, and now are seeking adoptive parents.
The next step is to identify bill sponsors before the first week of January. Fortunately, the same dedicated team of election security advocates is at the Capitol this week. A meeting on Thursday, December 7th, at 1:00 PM in the Reed Room of the House will take place, and anyone who is able to show up is greatly needed. The appetite for more election reforms is waning, so all legislators must be informed this is a matter of concern to all Floridians. If you have not contacted your local representative, please do so. In addition, calling the following leaders will certainly advance the effort.
Governor Ron DeSantis (850) 717-9337
House Speaker Paul Renner District (850) 717-5019
Senate President Kathleen Passidomo (850) 487-5028
Chair Tom Fabricio (850) 717 5110
Chair Danny Burgess (850) 487-5023
Here is a brief script:
My name is ____.
I'm calling to request that citizenship verification be a top priority in this legislative session. Our border is being flooded, one million plus illegal immigrants live in Florida with drivers licenses. There are loopholes that give them the opportunity to register to vote. Unless you take the action to stop this, non-citizens will be voting in 2024. We must ensure clean voter roles, proper chain of custody for absentee ballots, robust and updated cybersecurity standards. Please safeguard our electoral process and procedures.
Thank you.
Finally, I invite you to pray:
Father in Heaven,
We raise our voices in hope that the advocates in Tallahassee and all over Florida are blessed in the coming days and weeks. May the fervor for election security resoundingly reach the ears of the legislators. We humbly request that you unlock doors, open eyes, and attune ears so that elected leaders may acknowledge the pressing need to fortify our electoral process.
Father, we acknowledge our role as your hands, feet, and voice. May our endeavors be pleasing to you, and may the seeds we are planting find favor in your sight. Bless our work and let it yield fruit for the well-being of our nation.
In the name of Jesus, our Lord and Savior.
Amen