Amid debate in Congress, Florida's Republican Legislature pushes election law changes

TALLAHASSEE, Florida — Florida, the home of the chaotic 2000 presidential recount, may enact tough new proof-of-citizenship requirements for voting currently at the center of an ongoing debate in Congress.

As part of the effort, the Sunshine State may also forever banish recounts from its election processes and switch to a new “vote validation” system that would aim to check all ballots after they are cast. The move is a top priority of Florida Secretary of State Cord Byrd, who has been pushing for the idea for the past two years.

The state House and Senate are divided over whether to end recounts, but Republicans in both chambers are united on moving ahead with sweeping election legislation that could lead to eligibility questions for potentially thousands of Florida voters. Their move is being staunchly opposed by Democrats, who contend the changes could lead to voters getting pushed off the rolls.

GOP legislators shepherding the legislation have already cited the SAVE America Act — which was passed earlier this month by the Republican-majority House in D.C. — as a reason to forge ahead.


https://www.politico.com/news/2026/02/18/amid-debate-in-congress-floridas-republican-legislature-pushes-election-law-changes-00787214