Controversial Elections Bill Advances In Fla. Senate
TALLAHASSEE (CBS4) -- A controversial election bill that shortens early voting and makes it harder for some voters to cast ballots passed a key Senate committee Tuesday.
The vote came following a series of amendments and promise from the sponsor that early voting hours would be restored on the floor.
The Senate Budget Committee approved the measure (SB 2086) that Republican backers say reduces fraud and streamlines the election process. However, Democratic critics say it's an attempt to make it harder for younger voters, who in 2010 came out in droves, to cast ballots. Civil-rights groups and other opponents blast the measure as part of an organized, national effort to suppress voter turnout, particularly turnout among groups that might back President Barack Obama's re-election bid.
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