Vote by mail? Only in emergencies, bill says

As Democrats grapple with plans to stage their own do-over presidential primary by mail, legislators are considering a bill that would allow the governor to call a mail ballot election. But it would be allowed only in emergencies like pandemics or hurricanes when an election otherwise would be suspended.

The limited mail ballot proposal is part of a 54-page annual rewrite of the state election code. The bill (HB 1201) passed unanimously Thursday in the House Ethics & Elections Committee. Interestingly, Democrats on the committee could have run amendments to make it easier to hold mail ballot elections, but didn't.

"I'm a big proponent of of mail ballots, but we need to do this in baby steps," said Rep. Keith Fitzgerald, D-Sarasota. "You have to build confidence over time by letting people phase them in. I wouldn't want this (bill) to be a vehicle for putting on a mail ballot election."

Florida Democratic Party chairwoman Karen Thurman is proposing a party-run mail ballot election, which would be conducted independently of the state. Gov. Charlie Crist says the state should oversee any mail ballot election to ensure the "integrity" of the outcome.

Comments

It’s over; let it go for God’s sake. The citizens/voters of Florida did not call for an early primary. The self-serving politicians and Party politicos caused this mess. Where was Hillary when it was being discussed, where was Chuck when it was being discussed, why did Chuck sign it into law if he was so concerned about Floriduuh voters?

Chuck Crist new what it meant, new what he was doing when he signed it into law, and has no right to open his self-serving, narcissistic pie hole about it. Chuck’s hypocrisy is astounding, and his thirst for the spotlight in near psychotic. And you Demosquids have Howeird Dunce and Karupt Thermaflu in charge…. what’d you expect?

Florida has some of the most self-indulgent, non-representative, back-woods, backassward, morons in politics this Country has ever seen. Screw you; Florida… you had your shot and you pinheads blew it. Now, shut you food traps and wait until November like the rest of us!

…nuff said.

11:15 - if it's "nuff said" then why do you keep posting the comment over and over? you must be an ignorant dimocrat

or John Russell.

It’s a redundant response to a redundant issue. Aparently “nuff” hasn’t been said… and you; must be an ignorant Repiublicon.

or Bob Allen.

"Chuck Crist 'new' what it meant, 'new' what he was doing when he signed it into law"

Learn how to spell, you ignor-a-moose.

11:35 - exactly, that's how we know it's the same person - the same words are misspelled everytime

and for you 11:26 - well if it ain't nuff said then why do you keep saying nuff said? dumb dimocrat. and what do you do? have a special word doc saved for posterity so that you cut and paste the same ridiculous statement over and over? just because you say it 50 times over the course of a few months doesn't make it so. but go ahead, and keep it up - you waste your time with that and i'll just go grab some lunch

I "knew" it... typical Republicon pickle-sniffers. Don’t you boys have a public bathroom to catch? I’m betting you each have a twenty just a’burnin a hole in your pockets, and you're just a’itchin to play a little tune on the ol' meat whistle.

… putz

12:43 - what a sad little world you must live in, almost makes me wanna cry for you