Equal Ground, a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to building Black political power in Florida, held a meeting June 24 to mobilize Black voters in Leesburg and surrounding areas. The event was part of a statewide tour aimed at combating voter suppression tactics.
Genesis Robinson, interim executive director of Equal Ground, addressed attendees on the significance of state government decisions, along with specific bills and what it all will mean for the upcoming 2024 election.
“They (state legislators) pass laws, they repeal laws, but most importantly, they have a responsibility to pass a state budget,” Robinson said. “That budget governs our state; it forms all of the critical functions of the state. So what we see happening during that time period in legislative session is really a byproduct of what happens during the election season.”
During the meeting, Robinson highlighted several key issues affecting the community. One major topic was what he described as voter suppression laws in Florida, including the elimination and reduction of drop boxes and stricter requirements for vote-by-mail ballots.
Robinson also discussed the significant legislative changes and challenges, such as Senate Bill 90, which requires voters to request their vote-by-mail ballot every election cycle, potentially disenfranchising many voters.
"What that meant is that there were 4.2 million voters who had their vote-by-mail request canceled,” he said. “Of that 4.2 million people, 441,000 of those were Black people.”
Robinson underscored the importance of advocating for voting rights and being present in legislative sessions to engage with lawmakers directly.
“It’s important that we be present, be able to look in the eye and tell them how we feel, and share the concerns that we hear from folks in the community,” he said.
In addition to Senate Bill 90, other bills addressed included Senate Bill 524, which created an elections police force; Senate Bill 7050, which targeted third-party voter registration organizations; and House Bill 1291 and Senate Bill 1372, which “prohibited educators from attending training that teaches systemic racism and oppression were inherent in the founding of the country.”
However, Robinson praised Senate Bill 1582, which supports Black farmers by addressing issues with the cannabis license promised to them and expanding the number of licenses to six, allowing more Black farmers to benefit.
“As we’re going through these, you see things that you like or don’t like, right?” Robinson said. “Understand that you have a part in playing in who goes to represent you in Tallahassee.”
One of the bills the group supported was the Harry T. And Harriette V. Moore Florida Voting Rights Act, HB 1035/SB 1522. According to Equal Ground, this bill aimed to prevent vote dilution and discrimination on the basis of race, color or language; give minority groups an equal opportunity to elect candidates of their choice; expand language access; strengthen pre-clearance protections; make Election Day a holiday; offer same-day voter registration; establish automatic voter registration; make vote-by-mail requests permanent; offer prepaid vote-by-mail postage; and create a database for returning citizens.
It failed to pass.
Eustis resident Estella Chatman-Mosley stood to address the crowd, encouraging them to do their part and vote.
“God knows if there's ever been an election that would need it for us to vote, it’s this one,” she said. “There's some folk that want to go take us back to our slavery days. And then there's some folk that want to move us forward. Pay attention.”
Want more local news?Here's how to access Leesburg news anywhere with the Daily Commercial app
Robinson also detailed amendments that will be on the 2024 ballot, ensuring voters knew what to expect.
“My grandmother used to have the saying that people would do better if they knew better,” Robinson said. "And that's the whole purpose of us doing this presentation, is to make sure that folks know and understand what is at stake.”
For more information, visit https://www.equal-ground.com
Most Popular
Comments / 0