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Dozens of Democratic voters had their party affiliation changed illegally to GOP by canvassers working for the Republican Party, according to a story in the Tampa Bay Times on March 7.
Records from the Miami-Dade elections department showed that the victims of this practice were frequently elderly voters, with an average age of 76, who lived in low-income housing complexes. Many of them were first-generation immigrants from Latin America. They were told by the Republican canvassers that they had to get a new voter ID card, update addresses, or verify their signatures -- none of which appeared to be true -- and that the canvasser would be happy to help with the paperwork. Under Florida law, submitting false voter registration information is a third-degree felony punishable by up to 5 years in prison and fines up to $5,000.
This fraud is part of an effort to promote the idea that Hispanic voters are fleeing the Democratic Party. It is a clear indication of Republican’s grand strategy to take control of the state and the nation by whatever means might be necessary – regardless of laws, ethics, or justice. Ron DeSantis has pushed to establish a voting police force because of widespread voting fraud; this is the perfect opportunity to turn that force loose on his own party!
As political activists, we are highly motivated to win elections. The difference between Democrats and our opponents is that we do not take a “win at all costs,” or “the ends justify the means” approach. When we win, it is with integrity, just the way our Democratic leaders govern. We are different. And, frankly, we are better because we act with integrity and a respect for law. THAT is the fundamental foundation of democracy!