Federal judge strikes down part of new Florida election law

A federal judge on Thursday struck down parts of a sweeping election law signed by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis in 2021, saying in his ruling that some of the law's provisions were enacted "with the intent to discriminate against Black voters."

Judge Mark Walker said in his decision that Florida cannot enforce the law's limits on when ballot drop boxes maycould be accessed and requirements that third- party groups issue a warning when registering voters that their registration application may not be turned in on time. The judge also said that the law's prohibition of "any activity with the intent to influence or effect of influencing a voter" near a polling place cannot be enforced because it could be read to ban "line warming" activities, like giving food or water to voters waiting in line. 

DeSantis signed the law, known as SB90, last May, as Republican state legislatures around the country were also making made significant changes to their voting laws following the 2020 election. At the time, DeSantis said that Florida had the "strongest election integrity measures in the country," but added, "we're not resting on our laurels."