Nelson Weighs in on Call for More Early Voting
Friday, November 2, 2012
By: Mark Simpson

November 02, 2012 | WMFE - The Florida League of Women Voters and democrats around the state are calling on Republican Governor Rick Scott to extend early voting hours. The move comes as reports of long lines from around Florida are pouring in. 90.7s Mark Simpson has more.

Former democratic state lawmaker Dan Gelber, League of Women Voters of Florida President Deirdre Macnab each sent letters calling for more early voting. U.S. Senator Bill Nelson also emphasized the need more early voting hours if long lines continue.

Nelson, a democrat running for re-election noted that many minorities in Florida have depended on using the Sunday before election day to cast their ballot as he spoke to a gathering of Hispanic business leaders in Orlando, 

"Especially Hispanics and African Americans in the last decade have availed themselves of the use of Sunday because it’s a convenient day and they’re not working and I would certainly hope the Governor would extend it if the lines are particularly long."

The Republican Party of Florida responded to the request noting that changes to Florida’s election law still provide a mandated 96 hours of early voting.

In 2008 Republican Governor Charlie Crist extended early voting hours after complaints of long lines.

I’m Mark Simpson 90.7 News.