§ 98.255 Voter education programs.
Overview of Statute
Statute
(1) The Department of State shall adopt rules prescribing minimum standards for nonpartisan voter education. The standards shall, at a minimum, address:
(a) Voter registration;
(b) Balloting procedures, by mail and polling place;
(c) Voter rights and responsibilities;
(d) Distribution of sample ballots; and
(e) Public service announcements.
(2) Each county supervisor shall implement the minimum voter education standards, and shall conduct additional nonpartisan education efforts as necessary to ensure that voters have a working knowledge of the voting process.
History:
s. 9, ch. 80-292; s. 1, ch. 83-16; s. 530, ch. 95-147; s. 59, ch. 2001-40; s. 35, ch. 2010-102; s. 7, ch. 2016-37.
- Cross-References:
- Voter Registration
Whether or not sample ballots are distributed to voters in any county is up to the discretion of the supervisor of elections. This statute outlines that there must be rules in place should the supervisor opt to distribute sample ballots.
1. Definition for Department
The Department of State. Fla. Stat. § 97.021(7).
2. Definition for Supervisor
The supervisor of elections. Fla. Stat. § 97.021(36).
3. Definition for Polling Place
The building which contains the polling room where ballots are cast. Fla. Stat. § 97.021(27).
4. Definition for General Election
An election held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November in the even-numbered years, for the purpose of filling national, state, county, and district offices and for voting on constitutional amendments not otherwise provided for by law. Fla. Stat. § 97.021(16).
5. Definition for Ballot
As used in the Electronic Voting Systems Act, ballot means the card, tape, or other vehicle upon which the elector’s choices are recorded. Fla. Stat. § 101.5603(2).
6. Definition for Election
Any primary election, special primary election, special election, general election, or presidential preference primary election. Fla. Stat. § 97.021(12).
Cases
Florida Cases
Case Name: Wexler v. Lepore
Citation: 878 So.2d 1276
Year: 2004
Case URL: https://www.ravellaw.com/opinions/a64f9a0c363eae4d70f7c6981b8b7616
Case Summary: Wexler v. Lepore held that the Secretary of State had statutory authority under the Electronic Voting Rights Act to handle how recounts would be conducted. As such, Weller's suit was dismissed.
Out-of-State Cases
Federal Cases
Regulations & Guidance
Additional Resources
Further Reading
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Fla. Jur. 2d Elections s 22, Generally; Secretary of State as chief election officer
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Fla. Jur. 2d Elections s 25, Supervisors of elections
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Fla. Jur. 2d Elections s 44, Generally
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“Registering the Youth Through Voter Preregistration” 13 N.Y.U. J. Legis. & Pub. Pol’y 551
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“A Spotlight on Structure” 72 U. Colo. L. Rev. 911
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“Grasping at Straws, Rushing to Judgment: Election Reforms in Florida, 2001” 13 U. Fla. J.L. & Pub. Pol’y 81