Courts Reject Hurricane Voter Registration Extensions

In Florida, a federal judge denied requests from voting rights groups, including the League of Women Voters and the NAACP, to extend the voter registration deadline due to disruptions caused by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. The court sided with Governor Ron DeSantis, citing a significant state interest in maintaining the election timeline. Similarly, in Georgia, a federal judge rejected a plea to extend voter registration deadlines despite the damage from Hurricane Helene, emphasizing the orderly conduct of elections. Meanwhile, South Carolina extended its voter registration deadline, aiming to increase registration among young voters. These legal battles highlight the tension between ensuring voter access and adhering to pre-set electoral processes amidst natural disasters. Additionally, California has implemented a new law to streamline the ballot curing process, delaying certification of election results to ensure all votes are accurately counted.