TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The League of Women Voters of Florida (LWVFL) stood with a number of grassroots organizations this Election Day to support Florida’s Sen. Linda Stewart (D – Orlando) and Rep. Geraldine Thompson (D – Windermere) in their efforts to protect voting rights in Florida.

Sen. Stewart, who filed SB 1802 on Elections during the 2019 Legislative Session, and Rep. Thompson, who filed HB 1365 during the same session, said they plan to file bills in 2020 addressing issues that have plagued elections in Florida for decades.

“The right to vote and ability to exercise that right by all citizens is the cornerstone mission of the League of Women Voters,” said Florida League President Patricia Brigham. “We commend these two legislators for ensuring these issues remain at the forefront, especially as we enter the 2020 election year.”

“Voting is the bedrock of our democracy, and that bedrock has been fractured and uneven in Florida,” Rep. Thompson said. “We must join together to fight for the voting rights of every Floridian and protect our elections system.”

“Removing the barriers to vote should be one of Florida’s top priorities. We must continue to fight to ensure all Floridians have equal and fair access to polling locations and that their voices are heard,” said Senator Stewart.

The LWVFL developed out the suffrage movement and today represents a grassroots network of more than 29 local Leagues statewide striving to promote engaged citizenship. Members hold candidate forums, issue Voter Guides to inform citizens on local races and ballot amendments, and sponsor public forums for both policy makers and citizens to broaden understanding of key issues.