TALLAHASSEE, Fla. \u2013 A new bill filed in the Florida Legislature this week would make some changes to elections in the state.<\/p>\n
That bill (SB 1334<\/a>) was filed on Wednesday by Florida Sen. Erin Grall (R-Ft. Pierce), and it seeks to crack down on making sure that citizens in Florida are actually allowed to vote.<\/p>\n For example, a new provision in the bill requires supervisors of elections to \u201cimmediately\u201d verify a voter\u2019s legal status every time the voter updates registration.<\/p>\n Furthermore, the bill mandates that the FLHSMV verify a voter\u2019s legal status as a U.S. citizen before the online voter registration system transmits the application to the supervisor of elections.<\/p>\n However, the bill also features an addition to the state\u2019s existing oath that residents must subscribe to before registering to vote.<\/p>\n If SB 1334 were to pass, the new oath would be as follows:<\/p>\n \u201cI do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will protect and defend the Constitution of the Untied States and the Constitution of the State of Florida, that I am qualified to register as an elector under the Constitution and laws of the State of Florida, and that all information provided in this application is true.<\/p>\n I further do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I am a United States citizen and that I have carefully reviewed the instructions for completing the Florida Voter Registration Application. I understand that if I have provided false information on this application, I could be subject to criminal penalties, fines, or imprisonment for perjury, and, if not a United States citizen, deportation from the United States.”<\/p>\n If SB 1334 is approved by lawmakers and signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis during the upcoming Legislative session, it is set to take effect on Jan. 1, 2027.<\/p>\n