On the recordMarch 7, 2019
I thank my friend, the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Brown), for his leadership on this issue. Souls to the Polls is a bedrock of Florida elections. For my colleagues who may be unfamiliar, minority communities, particularly African American and Latino, use Sunday early voting to energize their communities to make their voices heard. For those without reliable transportation or with unpredictable work schedules, Sunday voting is critical and sacred. This is how a healthy democracy should work, communities organizing themselves to increase participation, doing their civic duty. Higher turnout and greater participation strengthen our democracy, giving elected leaders a stronger, more representative voice. Unfortunately, some States have targeted Sunday Souls to the Polls voting. My own State tried to shut it down in 2012. This amendment would block States from using voter suppression tactics against Souls to the Polls. I urge my colleagues to support the Brown-Crist amendment and let the underlying bill pass. Let's refresh our democracy, for the people.
