Stevenson files voter privacy bill

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State Rep. Cyndi Stevenson filed House Bill 983, a bill regarding voter privacy, on Dec. 20. The bill would restrict who has access to a voter’s registration information.

“House Bill 983 exempts voter registration information from public records to protect our citizens from scams,” said Stevenson. “It is important to protect this information, as it can and has been misused by those seeking to do harm.”

House Bill 983 seeks to strengthen privacy laws by removing voter registration data, such as date of birth, telephone number, e-mail address and party affiliation, from public records. The bill would limit who can request this data to: the individual whose records are confidential and exempt; a canvassing board or an election official in their official capacity; a political party, party official, a candidate who has filed qualification papers, or a registered political committee for political purposes only; or a person who receives permission to access the information from the Secretary of State’s office.

“We thank Rep. Stevenson for helping to address the number one complaint we hear from our voters, that misinformation or excessive texts and calls come from the data that a voter has on file with us on issues completely unrelated to their right to vote,” said Craig Latimer, 2021 president of the Florida Supervisors of Elections. “It is an open opportunity for personal information to be abused.”

For more information on this bill, as well as other bills filed during the 2022 session, go to myfloridahouse.gov or contact Stevenson’s office. The local phone number is 904-823-2300.