The deadline to register to vote is today, Monday, Oct. 7. But after Helene pounded Florida’s west coast Gov. Ron DeSantis issued Executive Order 24-212, ensuring those affected by Helene still have the chance to vote. That order allows election officials in heavily damaged counties to “make changes to early voting sites and to set up consolidated voting centers where people can cast ballots,” as CBS News reported. “The order also loosens restrictions on requests for mail-in ballots and allows state employees to take paid administrative leave to serve as poll workers on Election Day.”
On X/Twitter, the Florida Department of State said voting by mail is an option for those affected by Helene and Milton:
“Florida law allows any voter in any county to go (to) their county election office to request, fill out and turn in a vote-by-mail ballot immediately. You must have with you an allowable form of identification.”
The Florida Department of Elections also has a comprehensive web page on Emergency & Disaster Election Resources, presumably soon to be updated with Milton-specific information.
Stay safe out there Florida, and don’t let the storms shake your resolve — or rob you of your right to participate in our democracy.
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