We all deserve a democracy that truly serves and represents us. Unfortunately, Gov. Ron DeSantis and other extremist politicians continue to erode Floridians’ freedom to vote and our democratic norms, while rolling back decades of progress and failing to respond to the real issues we face. That’s why we need Congress to take action and ensure that all eligible Americans are able to exercise their right to vote.
Right now in Florida, we are facing multiple degrees of voter suppression. Registering people to vote has become more difficult and heavily punitive via excessive and burdensome fees that range up to $50,000. All of our vote-by-mail ballots have been canceled and must be renewed with each election cycle, and previously incarcerated citizens are being targeted by the state’s new election police. Congressional seats have been gerrymandered to erase minority representation, and DeSantis has also removed multiple elected officials from office, with the latest target being my duly elected state attorney, Monique Worrell. Meanwhile, corporations continue to dominate the policy agenda, passing policies that preempt local control, destroy workers rights and strip away access to the courts for everyday people.
These are all alarming attacks on our democracy that strip voters of their personal freedoms and the right to choose their elected officials. Unfortunately it’s part of a much larger pattern of anti-democratic behavior by DeSantis and his Republican allies.
Indeed, our freedom to vote is foundational to many other freedoms, so it’s no surprise that these same extremists attacking our democracy are waging war on gay and trans youth and adults, immigrant rights, public education and reproductive rights. Meanwhile, they fail to respond to the real issues facing the Sunshine State, like climate change and the cost of living.
For example, this summer, the waters off of the coast of Florida reached unprecedented temperatures of up to 100 degrees, uncomfortable for swimmers and life-threatening for our diverse marine ecosystems. The warmer waters have also led to more extreme storms, and right now, Floridians are facing a crisis with property insurance rates that are out of control. If we prioritized these issues, and build a democracy that truly serves the people instead of corporations and extremists, Florida could be a leader in clean energy and pave the way for widespread climate action. We could solve problems instead of creating them, and protect Floridians’ freedom to be healthy, safe and prosperous.
A future like this is possible, but we cannot do it alone. To put a stop to the democratic backsliding here in Florida and in other states across the country, Congress must do everything in their power to restore the Voting Rights Act and pass the Freedom to Vote Act — a bold package of reforms that would reduce the influence of big money in politics, safeguard our freedom to vote, and end gerrymandering. It also includes rights restoration, which would ensure that the 1.4 million Floridians with former convictions have their voting rights honored.
Together, we can build a Florida where all are welcomed and everyone has the freedom to choose how to live our own lives. We can be leaders in clean energy and prioritize the needs of everyday people. In order to build this Florida, we need to stand up for our democracy and demand a government of the people, by the people, and for the people.
State Rep. Anna Eskamani, D-Orlando, represents Florida’s 42nd District in the Florida Legislature.
