HomeMy WebLinkAboutLegislationCity of Miami
Legislation
Resolution
City Hall
3500 Pan American
Drive
Miami, FL 33133
www.miamigov.com
File Number: 13-00312 Final Action Date:
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION URGING GOVERNOR RICK
SCOTTAND THE MEMBERS OF THE FLORIDA LEGISLATURE TO SUPPORT
DURING THE 2013 LEGISLATIVE SESSION, AMENDING FLORIDA STATUTE
101.657(1)(B) AND TO RESTORE THE NUMBER OF DAYS AVAILABLE FOR EARLY
VOTING FROM 8 DAYS TO 14 DAY; DIRECTING THE CITY CLERK TO TRANSMIT
A COPY OF THIS RESOLUTION TO THE OFFICIALS DESIGNATED HEREIN.
WHEREAS, Miami -Dade County operates the largest election operation in the State of Florida and
the number of Miami -Dade voters who participated in the 2012 General Election exceeded all other
counties in the state; and
WHEREAS, a grand jury that convened to examine problems with Florida absentee -ballot voting,
made 23 recommendations designated to tighten regulations, including that the Florida Legislature
amend Florida Statute 101.657 (1)(b), restore the total 120 hours for early voting and restore the
former language which specifically provided that "early voting should begin on the 15th day before an
election and end on the day before an election"; and
WHEREAS, the Florida State Association of Supervisors of Elections Strongly urges the Florida
Legislature during the 2013 Legislative Session to adopt legislation that requires 8 days for Primary
and General Elections, with the option for Supervisors of Election to provide additional days not the
exceed 14 days; and
WHEREAS, the Miami -Dade County Board of Commissioners recently decided to advocate for a
14 day early voting period, including the Sunday before the election, which was a recommendation
made by the Miami -Dade County Election Advisory Group; and
WHEREAS, the decrease in the number of days available for early voting hindered numerous
residents from participating in voting in the 2012 election;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI,
FLORIDA:
Section 1. The recitals and findings contained in the Preamble of this Resolution are adopted by
reference and incorporated as if fully set forth in this Section.
Section 2. The Miami City Commission urges Governor Rick Scott and the members of the Florida
Legislature to support during the 2013 legislative session to amend Florida Statute 101.657 (1)(b) and
to restore the number of days available for early voting from 8 days to 14 days.
City of Miami Page 1 of 2 File Id: 13-00312 (Version: 1) Printed On: 3/5/2013
File Number: 13-00312
Section 3. The City Clerk is directed to transmit a copy of this Resolution to Governor Rick Scott,
the Secretary of the Florida Department of State, and the members of the Florida Legislature.
Section 4. This Resolution shall become effective immediately upon its adoption and signature of
the Mayor. {1}
APPROVED AS TO. FORM AND CORRECTNESS:
JULIE O. BRU
CITY ATTORNEY
Footnotes:
{1} If the Mayor does not sign this Resolution, it shall become effective at the end often calendar days
from the date it was passed and adopted. If the Mayor vetoes this Resolution, it shall become effective
immediately upon override of the veto by the City Commission.
City of Miami Page 2 of 2 File Id: 13-00312 (Version: 1) Printed On: 3/5/2013