Sen. Bill Nelson (D-Fla.) criticized Gov. Rick Scott's administration over new restrictions on how and where Florida voters can return absentee ballots.
On November 25, Florida Secretary of State Ken Detzner issued a directive telling county elections officials not to "solicit return" of absentee ballots at locations other than an elections office or branch because it's not allowed by law, the AP reports.
Nelson said the move signals it's "so obvious" the Scott administration is working to make it harder for people to vote, "whether Republican or Democrat." Nelson said he's especially concerned because the change comes as a special primary election to replace the late Rep. Bill Young is scheduled for January 14.
"Why now, on the eve of a special congressional election?" Nelson said.
After Detzner issued the directive, Pinellas County Supervisor of Elections Deborah Clark told the Tampa Bay Times she was "just stunned" and said she hadn't been consulted by the state on the decision.
"This is not promoting ballot accessibility. I'm very worried about this," Clark said.
Another supervisor of elections, Brian Corley of Pasco County, told the Times the move seemed "anti-voter" and also noted he wasn't consulted on the decision.
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