FSASE Legislative Priorities for 2014 Session

During last year’s legislative session, the Pasco County Legislative Delegation played a significant role in passing some great election legislation.  However, with the opening of the 2014 Legislative Session on March 4th, the Florida State Association of Supervisors of Elections (FSASE) will be asking legislators to revisit a law passed last year in which the omission of four key words resulted in legislation that opposes its original intent.

A bill allowing voters the option of receiving a sample ballot by e-mail rather than via the USPS was supported by the FSASE in an effort to more efficiently deliver sample ballots, and to save taxpayers the expense of publishing a sample ballot in the local newspapers. In doing so, however, legislation removed the phrase “in lieu of publication” which resulted in Supervisors still being required to spend thousands of dollars in newspaper ads.

In addition, legislation that was passed that would protect these e-mail addresses from public disclosure was vetoed by Governor Scott.  The FSASE has taken the position of promoting more privacy protection for voters with respect to their e-mail addresses, as well as limiting the full disclosure of their date of birth.  For demographic purposes, the ages of voters could be disclosed without giving the specifics of month, day, and year. 

Although non-election years are viewed by the association as being the best times to introduce legislation, FSASE takes a strong position in correcting these bills which fell short of their original intent.