Asian-Americans feel particularly targeted by new laws criminalising those who assist voters
- New laws in mostly Republican-led states make it a criminal offence to assist voters
- Some fear that translating for someone who wants to vote may be viewed as illegal
For a century, the League of Women Voters in Florida formed bonds with marginalised residents by helping them register to vote – and, in recent years, those efforts have extended to the growing Asian-American and Asian immigrant communities.
But a state law signed by Governor Ron DeSantis in May would have forced the group to alter its strategy.
The legislation would have imposed a US$50,000 fine on third-party voter registration organisations if the staff or volunteers who handle or collect the forms have been convicted of a felony or are not US citizens.
A federal judge blocked the provision this week. But its passage reflects the effort by DeSantis, a Republican presidential candidate, and other Republican leaders to crack down on access to the ballot.
Florida is one of at least six states, including Georgia and Texas, where Republicans have enacted voting rules since 2021 that created or boosted criminal penalties and fines for individuals and groups that assist voters. Several of those laws are also facing legal challenges.
In the meantime, voting rights advocates are being forced to quickly adapt to the changing environment. Before the ruling in Florida, for instance, the League of Women Voters started using online links and QR codes for outreach. It removed the personal connection between its workers and communities and replaced it with digital tools that are likely to become a technological barrier.