Another Election Year, Another Voting Law
In a move that’s drawing swift backlash from civil rights advocates and voter access groups, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed a sweeping voter ID expansion bill into law on May 24, 2025. Supporters say the new rules ensure “election integrity.” Critics say it’s voter suppression in a suit and tie.
With the 2026 midterms just around the corner, this law could reshape who votes—and who gets left out.
What’s In the Law?
Here’s what the new Florida voter ID law requires:
- A state-issued REAL ID or passport for all early voting
- A copy of ID submitted with mail-in ballots, even for voters already on file
- Elimination of “cure windows” for mismatched signatures
- Limits on the use of student IDs, Medicare cards, and tribal IDs as valid forms of voter identification
The law goes into effect July 1, 2025, just as counties begin preparations for the 2026 primaries.
Who’s Going to Feel It the Most?
Let’s be real: this isn’t just about ID. It’s about access—and who has it.
This law disproportionately impacts:
- Black and Latinx voters, who are statistically less likely to hold current state-issued IDs
- Elderly voters, especially those who no longer drive
- Low-income and rural voters, who face more logistical barriers to obtaining documents
- College students, who now can’t use their university ID at the polls
And in key swing counties like Miami-Dade, Orange, and Duval? These changes could chill turnout in exactly the demographics that often determine statewide outcomes.
DeSantis’ Messaging vs. Reality
DeSantis framed the bill as a “commonsense” measure that will “restore trust” in elections. But Florida has no history of widespread voter fraud. In fact, in the last three general elections, state officials praised the process as secure, orderly, and trustworthy.
So why now?
Political analysts suggest it’s part of a broader national push to reshape voter rolls ahead of 2026 and 2028 elections—especially in states where turnout trends have shifted in recent cycles.
This law isn’t fixing fraud. It’s fixing the electorate.
What Voting Advocates Are Saying
Voting rights groups are already sounding the alarm:
- The ACLU of Florida called it “a modern-day poll tax in disguise.”
- League of Women Voters says it’s exploring legal options
- Grassroots organizers are scrambling to fund ID drives, education campaigns, and transportation to DMV offices for at-risk communities
What You Can Do Now
If you live in Florida—or know someone who does—here’s how to get ahead of this:
- Check your ID now: Make sure it’s valid, REAL ID compliant, and matches your voter registration
- Update your registration early: Don’t wait until fall 2026 when it’s too late to fix a mismatch
- Support ID drives and legal aid funds: Groups on the ground are working to get people compliant
- Call your state reps: Let them know this law doesn’t represent you
“Governor DeSantis just signed one of the most restrictive voter ID laws in the country ahead of the 2026 midterms.”
When politicians tell you a law is about “integrity,” look closer at the impact, not the intent.
This law makes it harder to vote. Period.
And when voting gets harder for some, democracy gets weaker for all.
This isn’t the time to wait and see. If you care about fair elections, this is your cue to act. Help someone get the ID they need. Talk to your neighbors. Stay loud. And subscribe to The Fender Bender Mag for the kind of election coverage that cuts through the noise and gets to the truth.
