Press Release

NEW POLL: 84% of Floridians Want Extended Early Voting to Ensure Safe and Secure Election

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.— Secure Democracy today released the results of a poll of 1,000 Florida voters administered by the Tyson Group. The survey, conducted in late August, found that 84% of respondents support extending early voting hours to ensure that the November election operates safely and securely for voters and poll workers.

Additionally, 79% of participants supported increasing the number of early voting days leading up to an election to help reduce crowding, with 66% strongly supporting this change. This concept enjoys broad support and is supported by a majority of both Democrats and Republicans alike.

“Floridians want to make sure that November’s elections are secure and safe,” said Sarah Walker, director of state and federal affairs for Secure Democracy. “Republicans and Democrats alike support safe in-person locations and extended early voting hours to spread out crowds so that every eligible voter can cast their ballot safely. Voters want Governor DeSantis and local election officials to act now to expand safe voting options and prepare for Election Day.” 

Veterans make up nearly 20% of Florida’s civilian population aged 65 or older. This group is especially vulnerable to voting in-person during the coronavirus outbreak and may need more options on Election Day to reduce their risk. Overall, more than 40% of Florida’s population over 18 is considered at-risk of serious illness from COVID-19.

“Voters want options. Whether you vote by mail, in-person, or early — so before election day – we want a choice in how we cast our ballot,” said former U.S. Representative Carlos Curbelo of Miami. “In Florida, and across the country, I personally believe our citizens should demand, and our leaders should pursue, every option available to maximize voter participation. It is a hallmark of our Republic — free and fair elections. The integrity of every vote can be upheld while making it easy to vote. Let’s get it done.”

The poll found that voters want increased access, but they do not want it to come at the expense of existing election-day voting opportunities. Nearly six months into the pandemic, voters are growing increasingly more comfortable casting a ballot in person, as 76% of Florida voters indicated they would be comfortable doing so.

“Our Governor must act now to keep Floridians safe in November,” said Dr. Ankush Bansal, internal medicine physician and hospitalist from Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. “To protect public health, we need to reduce crowding at polling places on election day by increasing the number of days allowed for early voting. Governor DeSantis must also protect the ability of all Floridians to vote by mail and ensure that those votes are counted. These policies Florida voters overwhelmingly support and will help prevent further spread of the deadly coronavirus while protecting our democracy.”

Read the key findings of the survey of 1,000 Florida voters here.

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About Secure Democracy

Secure Democracy is a nonpartisan organization that works to educate policymakers and the public about secure and fair elections. By collaborating with state leaders, election administrators, election security experts the organization helps to ensure that all eligible citizens have the freedom to vote and the confidence to know that their vote is counted.