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Gov. Scott Signs Bill To Expand Early Voting

TALLAHASSEE (CBSMiami/AP) — In an effort to avoid the long lines and days of counting delays experienced during the 2012 presidential election, Gov. Rick Scott has signed a bill which will allow elections supervisors to expand early voting days and sites.

The law requires elections supervisors to hold eight days of early voting, but gives them the flexibility to hold up to 14 days. That includes the option of the Sunday before Election Day.

Florida was criticized nationally for election problems and many blamed, in part, Scott and the Republican-led Legislature's 2011 decision to cutback early voting from 14 to 8 days.

The 2011 bill that Scott signed also prohibited voting on the Sunday before the election, when many black churches previously held "souls to the polls" voter drives.

The law will take effect January 1st, 2014.

 

(TM and © Copyright 2013 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2013 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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