Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed a number of voting provisions into law on Thursday that will, among other measures, restrict the use of mail-in ballots and limit access to ballot drop boxes.
The voting revisions are similar to those enacted in Georgia earlier this year, according to analysts. The governor’s signing ceremony was broadcast exclusively on Fox News, and other local journalists were barred from the event, according to multiple reports.
“It was on national television,” DeSantis responded, “and we were happy to give them the exclusive,” said the governor regarding media access to the event.
Florida’s Democratic Party criticized the bill on Thursday, calling DeSantis’s ceremony “good Fox TV.” The Florida Legislature passed the voting revisions bill on April 29.
“Florida took action this legislative session to increase transparency and strengthen the security of our elections,” said DeSantis. “Elections should be free and fair, and these changes will ensure this continues to be the case in the Sunshine State.”
