Earlier this week, the DeSantis administration announced that no citizen-led ballot initiatives will be on the ballot this November, despite local groups calling its decision premature and anti-democratic. This decision comes as Florida Republicans are moving forward with their plan to rig the state’s congressional maps and dilute Floridians’ voting power at the behest of Donald Trump. 

A reminder: This isn’t the first time Ron DeSantis has tried to silence voters. Last year, DeSantis diverted $35 million in taxpayer funds to defeat two ballot measures, including one that would have overturned Florida’s six-week abortion ban.

Why are Florida Republicans silencing voters?

Under Donald Trump and Ron DeSantis’ leadership, working families are losing upwards of $1,000 due to Trump’s Big Ugly Bill and failed economic policies, a whopping 1.5 million Floridians are at risk of losing their health care, and Florida’s education system is on the decline as Republicans put children’s well-being last. 

In response, DNC Chair Ken Martin released the following statement: 

“After rubber-stamping Donald Trump’s deeply unpopular, billionaires-first agenda, Ron DeSantis and Florida Republicans are once again undermining the will of Florida voters. This isn’t democracy — this is corruption. Democrats will continue to fight back and ensure every Floridian is able to make their voice heard.”

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