Florida Teacher Faces Fines For Helping Kids Register To Vote

Newser.com:

A Florida civics teacher didn’t know about a new state law when she helped students register to vote—and now may have to pay thousands of dollars in fines.

The law required her to first register with the state, which Jill Cicciarelli didn't do before starting her registration drive.

Read the whole story: Newser.com

Comments

[broui]

10:35 PM on 10/27/2011

Every year I help my Seniors register to vote on or around their birthday. It's a big deal with us.

But, fortunately I teach in Washington State where we still respect the vote.

[lensman3]

11:12 AM on 10/27/2011

Where is the FBI and DOJ on this? This smells of the equivalent of Poll Taxes! They laws that Florida has passed is to prevent people from voting and Poll Taxes do the same thing. Can't the DOJ and the FBI connect the dots?

[Red Igor]

08:06 AM on 10/27/2011

This news item needs to be on the MAIN PAGE, not buried back here.
Too bad it does not contain any information about the Kardashians, that way it would have scored the top line on the front page.

[demcratville]

01:14 PM on 10/26/2011

THIS IS RICK SCOTT'S FAVORITE MOVIE QUOTE:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZFvdpE3YUfM

[invmartyc]

01:06 PM on 10/26/2011

Florida's GOP Governor and legislature does not want the wrong people to register, the wrong people being the ones who would dare to vote for someone other than a republican. They are doing all they can to keep people from joining what they feel is the wrong party. This means adjusting polling areas, where you can register, and when you can register.

What does it really matter as long as people vote? It matters to them, they want to rule and be good servants to the rich!

[KMBerger]

01:00 PM on 10/26/2011

A state that doesn't announce or publish the results of new laws and keep teachers informed about changes is a problem. If I were the teacher, I would refuse to pay the fines out of principle. I also believe the law is illegal as it is the role of a teacher to prepare kids for their adult responsibilities and that mean encouraging them to register to vote.

[broui]

10:38 PM on 10/27/2011

I am a teacher and if I taught in FLA, I'd keep doing it. I'd dare them to fine me. I'd make such a public stink about it the law would have to be changed. The article says no one likes it and rightly so.

"An unjust law is no law at all." - St. Augustine

[KMBerger]

10:51 PM on 10/27/2011

I support you!!! Rock on.

[dwndnk]

11:41 AM on 10/26/2011

Florida is really making a name for itself. I cant remember the last time I heard a positive story about this state. Total shame

[shaftedbytheleft]

10:22 AM on 10/26/2011

i'm sure they'll be voting for Obama...now in all seriousness, Florida is one of the most criminally politically corrupt States in the nation, especially with regard to vote rigging...if authorities choose to lead by example, they should immediately drop the charges on this wayward S. Florida Cuban teacher, and police themselves first...right, Cliff (republican do boy) Stearns...

[El Chingaso]

09:17 AM on 10/26/2011

American lawmakers: please quit fining citizens for such ridiculous stuff. A simple reprimand is sufficient.

[broui]

10:40 PM on 10/27/2011

Why even a reprimand? Seriously.

This is one citizen helping another young citizen with their voter registration form. Nothing untoward about it. No reprimand needed. In fact, a thank you is more in order.

[OHteach]

12:29 AM on 10/26/2011

Well there's a civics lesson here alright. I hope her students got the message loud and clear.

[Amy Fundenburg]

09:48 PM on 10/25/2011

Amerika

[acumenguy]

07:11 PM on 10/25/2011

Fascisism ... pure and simple.