DNC Chair Tom Perez released the following statement in support of the Florida Democratic Party’s lawsuit to extend this year’s voter registration deadline:

“This is the election of our lifetime, and with Hurricane Michael fast approaching, we need to make sure the people of Florida can focus on preparing for the storm and seeking safety without worrying about missing today’s voter registration deadline. I applaud the Florida Democratic Party and their chair, Terrie Rizzo, for fighting to ensure all eligible voters will have the opportunity to register ahead of this November’s election. But the fact is, we shouldn’t have to go through the courts to protect voting rights. That’s why we need to elect more Democratic leaders in Florida who will tear down barriers to the ballot box and end policies from Republicans like Governor Rick Scott and Secretary of State Ken Detzner that make it harder to vote.”