WASHINGTON, D.C. – Governor Rick Scott issued an Executive Order on September 15, 2017, postponing municipal elections in Ft. Myers and Cape Coral to October 3, 2017, following an appeal by Common Cause Florida, State Voices Florida, the League of Women Voters Florida and the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law to delay these elections because of the devastating impact of Hurricane Irma on Lee County voters.
We thank Governor Scott and Lee County Supervisor of Elections, Tommy Doyle, for postponing these elections to ensure that eligible voters in Ft. Myers and Cape Coral, particularly minority voters who are struggling to recover from the impact of this deadly storm, will be able to exercise their right to participate in these important municipal elections,” said Kristen Clark, executive director and president of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law. “We encourage eligible voters seeking to exercise their right to vote to call the 1-866-OUR-VOTE (1-866-687-8683) Election Protection hotline with any voting-related questions during early voting or on Election Day.”
“Common Cause Florida is pleased that the Lee County Supervisor of Elections Office is assisting the municipalities in executing their elections have chosen to provide greater access to the ballot for its citizens making it easier for the electorate to fully participate,” said Liza McClenaghan, state chair for Common Cause Florida. “The postponement helps ensure that a natural disaster was not compounded by denying residents of hard hit areas the ability to choose their elected officials.”
“It’s vital to our democracy that every citizen gets the opportunity to exercise their right to vote in the most accessible and fair manner,” said Pamela Goodman, president of the League of Women Voters of Florida. “This postponement assures that right for the citizens of Lee County.”
Early Voting for the Ft. Myers and Cape Coral elections will take place on Thursday, September 28 through Saturday, September 30, between the hours of 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. For more information about elections, candidates, voter registration, early voting, vote-by-mail requests, precinct locations, poll workers, and Community Education Services events, Lee County voters may also visit the Lee County elections website at www.lee.vote or call LEE VOTE (533-8683).
About the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law:
The Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization, was formed in 1963 at the request of President John F. Kennedy to involve the private bar in providing legal services to address racial discrimination. Now in its 54th year, the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law is continuing its quest “Move America Toward Justice.” The principal mission of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law is to secure, through the rule of law, equal justice for all, particularly in the areas of criminal justice, fair housing and community development, economic justice, educational opportunities, and voting rights.
About Election Protection:
Election Protection is the nation’s largest nonpartisan voter protection coalition, led by the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law. Through its suite of hotlines, including the 866-OUR-VOTE hotline (866-687-8683) administered by the Lawyers’ Committee, 888-VE-Y-VOTA (888-839-8682) administered by NALEO Educational Fund, 888-API-VOTE (888-273-8683) administered by APIAVote and Asian Americans Advancing Justice-AAJC and a dedicated team of trained legal and grassroots volunteers, Election Protection helps all American voters, including traditionally disenfranchised groups, gain access to the polls and overcome obstacles to voting. The coalition has more than 100 partners—including Advancement Project, Asian American Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Brennan Center for Justice, Common Cause, League of Women Voters of the United States, NAACP, National Bar Association, National Coalition on Black Civic Participation, State Voices, Rock the Vote and Verified Voting Foundation—at the national, state and local levels and provides voter protection services nationwide. For more information about Election Protection and the 866-OUR-VOTE hotline, please visit www.866ourvote.org.
About the Common Cause Florida:
Common Cause is a nonpartisan, grassroots organization dedicated to upholding the core values of American democracy. We work to create open, honest, and accountable government that serves the public interest; promote equal rights, opportunity and representation for all; and empower all people to make their voices heard in the political process.
About State Voices Florida:
State Voices Florida is a state based collaboration of nonpartisan civic engagement organizations in Florida. The State Voices Florida Table’s nonpartisan mission is to engage historically underrepresented communities in the democratic process.
About the Florida League of Women Voters:
The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy.
Derrick Robinson
Deputy Communications Director
Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law
Washington, DC
Direct: (240) 473-3034
Office: (202) 662-8335
Moving America Toward Justice
