POLISCOPE
Back to feed
NewsWUSF — Tampa Bay NPR (Local & State)August 20, 2026Hillsborough

Nonpartisan groups distribute voter registration and mail-in ballot applications in Florida

The Voter Participation Center and Center for Voter Information are mailing over one million voter registration applications and 57,160 vote-by-mail applications to eligible Floridians. Simultaneously, a federal lawsuit is challenging a new Florida law that will require proof of citizenship for voter registration starting in 2027.

electionsvoter registrationvoting rightslawsuits
Read the full story at WUSF — Tampa Bay NPR (Local & State)

Why It Matters

Residents are receiving unsolicited voter registration materials while facing an upcoming change in state law that will require specific documentation to register or remain on voter rolls by 2027.

Key Facts

  • Florida's voter turnout in the 2024 presidential election was approximately 67%.
  • Voter Participation Center and Center for Voter Information are mailing over 1 million voter registration applications to Floridians.
  • The same groups are mailing 57,160 vote-by-mail applications to Florida residents.
  • A new Florida law requires proof of citizenship (e.g., passport or birth certificate) for voter registration starting Jan. 1, 2027.
  • The ACLU has filed a federal lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the proof-of-citizenship law.
  • The deadline to register to vote for the general election in Florida is Oct. 5.
  • To register in Florida, one must be a U.S. citizen, a legal resident of Florida and the county of registration, and at least 18 years old.
  • Individuals can preregister to vote in Florida starting at age 16.

Who's Mentioned

organizationUniversity of Florida Election Lab“Source of voter turnout statistics.”organizationCenter for Voter Information“Nonpartisan group sending registration applications.”organizationVoter Participation Center“Nonpartisan group sending registration applications.”personTom Lopach“President and CEO of VPC and CVI.”organizationAmerican Civil Liberties Union“Representing plaintiffs in a lawsuit against Florida's proof-of-citizenship law.”