Republican Florida Governor Ron DeSantis said 20 people who voted in the 2020 election were arrested Thursday and the state's He announced that he would be charged with obstructing the election. Felon Voting Law.
The move was described as a "volley" of the Election Crime and Security Service, created by DeSantis and approved by the Florida legislature. Some fear it will deter minorities and other communities from voting.The office began work on July 1.
According to DeSantis, all 20 of his arrests were convicted of either murder or sexual assault and were primarily from Miami-Dade and Broward counties. He is among those whose voting rights have been restored by the "Amendment 4" which restores voting rights to felons in the state, except those convicted of rape. Added no. Or murder.
"They didn't go through any process. They couldn't get their rights back, but they still went ahead and voted." "It was and still is against the law. They're going to pay the price," DeSantis said at a press conference on Thursday. , is outside the scope of the Fourth Amendment.”
Possible penalties are up to five years in prison and a fine of $5,000.
DeSantis also said the Office of Election Crime and Security will also look to voters who were undocumented when they voted in 2020. He was just under 11 million Floridians who voted in 2020.
"This is just the first step," he said. "Foreigners will also participate. We would like the federal government to work on this constructively. We have a duty to make sure.”
Cecil Scoon, president of the Nonpartisan League of Women Voters in Florida, said how law enforcement would be used and their presence felt in the vote. He said there were still unresolved questions about the electoral crime office, including whether he would be able to do so. Center.
"It can intimidate people. They feel these police. How will they be taken advantage of? They stand over people's shoulders. Is it?" she said.
Scone added that DeSantis fears she could be the next election overseer and official after the recent dismissal of state attorney Andrew Warren. rice field.
"That was a red flag for me. He fired one of his from the office, so I was concerned about what would happen next. What's going on?" Scone said.
News of the arrests comes at a time when many Republicans still believe there was widespread fraud in the 2020 election. A CBS News poll showed that 69% of Republicansbelieve there was widespread voter fraud in 2020. MIT Sound Elections Project
"We elect leaders to ensure free and fair elections and to ensure that our people and citizens feel confident in the electoral process." I have to," said Florida. Code Byrd Secretary of State. “I believe this will alleviate fears that people are ignoring law violations within the state government. An analysis by CBS News suggests he is questioning the legitimacy of the 2020 election.
DeSantis has often said his 2020 election in Florida was very safe, with votes taking much longer than in other battleground states. Appreciate the tally.
But he also played with candidates who believed the election was stolen, such as Arizona gubernatorial candidate Kari Lake and Pennsylvania gubernatorial candidate Doug Mastriano. I shared
His DeSantis, a possible 2024 presidential candidate, is set to be re-elected next Tuesday, August 23rd. He is running without a vote.
Aaron Navarro Associate Producer for CBS News' Political Unit, focusing on House and Governor's campaigns, Census and re-election.
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