Florida on Offense: The Path Forward to Strengthen Our Elections
Florida’s elections are among the most closely watched in the nation, and the state has invested in processes that help ensure every vote is counted accurately. However, gaps in current law leave room for confusion, delays, and disruptive tactics that can undermine voters’ trust.
This fact sheet outlines three commonsense policy solutions that Florida lawmakers and election administrators can consider to close those gaps — before and after Election Day.* For a deeper dive into the national context and proven solutions, see our full report, “States on Offense: The Path Forward to Strengthen Our Elections.” For more information, please contact us here.
Three Fixes for Stronger Florida Elections
- Allow election officials to address discrepancies promptly by moving county post-election audits before county certification.
- Reduce the risk of frivolous or bad-faith challenges by clarifying standards for challenging a voter’s eligibility.
- Protect the freedom to vote by granting local officials the flexibility to respond to emergencies and natural disasters.
| Florida Elections By the Numbers |
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| Registered Voters: 13,523,895 Voter Turnout (Registered Voters %): 2022 [54%] 2024 [78%] |
| Voting Methods (Election Day/Early In-Person/Mail %): 2022: 35%/29%/35%; 2024: 24%/49%/27% |
| Recent Attempts to Exploit Election Vulnerabilities: State Officials Order Changes Due to Hurricane Ian in 2022 Hurricanes Milton and Helene Strike Florida in the Weeks Leading to the 2024 Election |
Fix #1: Address Discrepancies Before County Certification
Conducting audits before county certification would enable local officials to address issues earlier, thereby increasing public confidence in the election results. Florida law requires each county to conduct a post-election tabulation audit to verify the accuracy of results. However, these audits currently take place after counties certify their results and submit them to the Secretary of State. This means that any discrepancies discovered cannot be resolved before the results are official. Lawmakers can provide county election officials with the necessary resources to complete audits before certification, thereby avoiding delays.
Fix #2: Reduce the Risk of Frivolous or Bad-Faith Challenges
Establishing a specific, limited set of grounds for voter challenges would ensure the process is used appropriately, without burdening voters or poll workers. Current law allows any registered voter or partisan poll watcher to challenge another voter’s eligibility at a polling location. The lack of clarity can invite frivolous or bad-faith challenges, causing confusion, delays, and even intimidation. Additionally, county procedures for notifying challenged voters vary significantly. Lawmakers can enact a standard notification process.
Fix #3: Protect the Freedom to Vote During Emergencies
Lawmakers can grant local election officials the authority to assess and address immediate needs when the governor declares a state of emergency. Florida frequently finds itself in the path of natural disasters or subject to other emergencies near elections. While state officials can provide local officials with some flexibility regarding polling locations, ballot requests, and ballot returns, local officials are often better positioned to assess and respond to local needs. Providing local officials with the statutory authority to consolidate polling places, allow voters to cast their ballots in person anywhere in the county, or make technical adjustments for mail voting would ensure that voters can cast their ballots during emergencies.
*This resource is strictly nonpartisan and for educational use only. It is 501(c)(3) compliant and not intended for any partisan, political, or electioneering activities.