Voting rights groups have requested a federal judge to extend Florida’s voter registration deadline ahead of the Nov. 5 U.S. presidential election, citing disruptions caused by Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
In a lawsuit filed on Tuesday in federal court in Tallahassee, the League of Women Voters of Florida and the state NAACP chapter stated they had approached Governor Ron DeSantis last week to extend the Oct. 7 registration deadline by 10 days, but he declined.
DeSantis’ office did not respond immediately to requests for comment. As of Wednesday, millions of residents on Florida’s west coast faced evacuation orders as Hurricane Milton brought heavy rain and winds, striking the region just two weeks after Hurricane Helene caused significant damage.
The rights groups argued that potential voters had no means to register due to the state’s emergency measures.
“Tens of thousands of Florida residents—forced to choose between safety and exercising their fundamental right—have been denied the opportunity to register to vote,” the groups stated.
DeSantis, an ally of former President Donald Trump, supports the Republican candidate for the 2024 election. Current polls indicate a tight race between Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic candidate, in crucial battleground states that will influence the Electoral College outcome.
Florida, the third-most populous state in the U.S., holds 30 electoral votes, making it a significant target for both parties in the race to reach the 270 votes needed for victory. Although it has historically been a battleground state, Florida has leaned more Republican in recent years.
