TAMPA, Fla. – On Sunday, October 27, Debbie Mucarsel-Powell voted at an early voting location in Miami-Dade County.  While she was inside the polling location, she posted a video and photo to her X account (see below) which is a clear violation of Florida election law.  Florida Statute 102.031 (5) states: No photography is permitted in the polling room or early voting area, except an elector may photograph his or her own ballot. Not only did she violate Florida law, but she flagrantly violated the trust of the voters by impeding on their right to a secret ballot.

“Debbie Mucarsel-Powell must be held accountable for blatantly violating Florida election law in a desperate attempt to draw attention to her failing campaign. We also fully expect the Miami Supervisor of Elections to immediately condemn her for not only breaking the law, but also for violating so many voters’ right to privacy. No one is above the law, including Debbie Mucarsel-Powell.” -Team Rick Scott Spokesman Jonathan Turcotte

BACKGROUND

Tallahassee Democrat: Can you take pictures of your ballot in Florida? Yes, with restrictions. What to know

“In 2019, the Florida Legislature passed SB 7066, an omnibus elections bill that updated several elections administration regulations and policies, particularly to address ballot consistency and avoid the “butterfly ballot” fiasco in the 2000 presidential election recount in Palm Beach County and poor design in other counties that led to voters missing or misunderstanding races.

It also drew controversy over provisions to implement the voter-approved constitutional amendment that restored the voting rights of felons who have completed their sentences which added more obstacles to the process.

Tucked away in the bill and nearly unnoticed was a change to polling place photo policies.

In the Florida Statutes on polling place administration, 102.031 (5) was amended to say: “No photography is permitted in the polling room or early voting area, except an elector may photograph his or her own ballot.” The change went into effect July 1, 2019.”

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