Judge strikes down part of Florida law targeting noncitizens helping with voter registration

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – A federal judge has struck down a portion of recently changed Florida election law barring noncitizens from handling voter registrations for third party groups.

The law was changed by SB 7050 in 2023, which instituted a $50,000 fine for the organizations if they violate the noncitizen provision.

The ruling was issued by Chief U.S. District Judge Mark Walker Wednesday in a case involving multiple activist groups, including the League of Women Voters, NAACP, Hispanic Federation and Poder Latinx against the state.

He ruled that the law’s provision violates 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

Florida intends to appeal the decision, and has already appealed a prior temporary injunction.

“The Citizenship Requirement unconstitutionally discriminates against noncitizens on its face,” Walker wrote.

Walker pointed to the plaintiffs’ “rights to equal protection under the law,” reiterating that the provision “facially discriminates based on alienage.”

The election security law in 2023 was brought by Reps. Lawrence McClure, R-Dover, and Michelle Salzman, R-Escambia County. Gov. Ron DeSantis signed it on May 24 of that year.

 League of Women Voters of Florida co-president Cecile M. Scoon touted the decision, celebrating that “every person, regardless of citizenship status, can assist the League and other voting organizations in registering all citizens.”

“This ruling will enable all citizens to participate more fully in our democracy,” Scoon said.