Federal Trial Challenging Florida Law that Targets Voter Registration, Civic Engagement, and Political Speech Begins

For Immediate Release: April 1, 2024

Contact: [email protected]

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A recording of the press conference can be found here.

Tallahassee, Florida – With the official proceedings of the Hispanic Federation v. Byrd trial beginning today, representatives from the plaintiff organizations and legal organizations arguing the case – including Hispanic Federation, LatinoJustice PRLDEF,

ACLU, and Poder Latinx – hosted a press conference to preview the status of the trial, and how the noncitizen provision is an infringement of the organization’s first amendment right. 

A recording of the press conference can be found here, and statements from plaintiff and legal organizations can be found below.

Since SB 7050 was proposed, we have been clear that the noncitizen provision is both discriminatory and unconstitutional. 

Since SB 7050 was proposed, we have been clear that the noncitizen provision is both discriminatory and unconstitutional. 

“Hispanic Federation v Byrd is a clear reminder that sometimes unconstitutional laws are passed and it’s up to organizations like ours to remain vigilant and challenge these illegal laws. Since the beginning, we have said that the noncitizen provision in SB 7050 is both discriminatory and unconstitutional, and so far the court has agreed with us every step of the way. We are committed to moving forward with this trial with the hopes of ensuring that Floridians will have fair access in registering to vote.” said Frankie Miranda, president and CEO of Hispanic Federation.

“SB 7050 severely limits our capability to interact and engage with the community on a meaningful level. Poder Latinx is an organization dedicated to fostering a vibrant, participatory democracy, and being obstructed from encouraging eligible voters to register and exercise their right to vote is contrary to our core mission, because democracy thrives on participation, inclusion and the ability of every voice to be heard" expressed Carolina Wassmer, Florida state program director at Poder Latinx.

“Helping citizens to register to vote is protected speech—pure and simple. This law severely limits our clients’ efforts to register voters in underserved communities. We are here today to once and for all block SB 7050 and protect our clients’ ability of to be part of the democratic process—in their own words and on their own terms,” said Victoria Ochoa, Cozen Family Voting Rights Fellow at the ACLU’s Voting Rights Project, who is arguing tomorrow’s appeal.

“We stand proudly along with our clients who have demonstrated courage and a true commitment to defending voting rights and the rights of our non-citizen community,” said Miranda Galindo, Supervising Counsel at LatinoJustice PRLDEF. It’s clear that SB 7050 is designed to unconstitutionally undermine the ability of Latino civic organizations to convey their message that all eligible voters should participate in the democratic process. LatinoJustice has been defending, protecting, and expanding voter protection work for most of our organization’s 50-year history and will continue to challenge any barriers that might obstruct this right to our community.”

“Everyone, including non-citizens, has a vital role in our democracy. Our clients are committed to building a vibrant, inclusive, and just democracy where all people can shape their futures. SB7050 places an extraordinary burden on our clients' efforts to register voters—especially in immigrant communities—and is a barrier to full political participation for eligible voters. We should encourage, not obstruct, increased civic engagement and community outreach,” said Roni Druks, Senior Counsel at Dēmos.

In May 2023, the coalition filed a lawsuit challenging SB 7050 for its chilling effect on political speech, civic engagement, and the unconstitutional exclusion of noncitizens from voter turnout activities.

In May 2023, the coalition filed a lawsuit challenging SB 7050 for its chilling effect on political speech, civic engagement, and the unconstitutional exclusion of noncitizens from voter turnout activities. In July, a judge issued a preliminary injunction, blocking some portions of SB 7050 as the case is litigated.

However, in March 2024 a federal district court issued a summary judgment in favor of voting and immigrants’ rights advocates challenging Florida SB 7050, which bars any noncitizen — regardless of lawful residence status — from working or volunteering for third-party voter registration organizations (3PVROs) who register eligible Floridians. SB 7050 has been a subject of controversy due to its infringement on free speech rights as well as the rights of noncitizens to encourage eligible voters to register. Yet SB7050s still unconstitutionally restricts civic organizations’ ability to convey their message that all eligible voters should participate in the democratic process.

Hispanic Federation v. Byrd started Monday, April 1, in the U.S. District Courthouse for the Northern District of Florida in Tallahassee, FL. The court convenes at 9 a.m. ET, and the trial is expected to last at least two weeks.

Plaintiffs and legal experts will be available for interviews during the trial. Media interested in speaking with them should contact the organizations above.

About Hispanic Federation
Hispanic Federation (HF) is a nonprofit membership and advocacy organization, founded in 1990, committed to empowering and advancing the Hispanic community, with a focus on low-income, marginalized and immigrant Latinos. With programs in 40 states, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and the District of Columbia, HF’s focus areas include immigration, economic empowerment, civic engagement, disaster relief, philanthropy, education, health, and the environment. HF also maintains ongoing public education campaigns and meets the organizational development needs of its member agencies through grant-making and capacity-building assistance.

About Poder Latinx
Poder Latinx is a civic and social justice organization, dedicated to build political power for the Latinx community to become decision-makers in our country’s democracy

and win on economic, immigrant, and environmental issues. Our mission is to build a

sustained progressive voting bloc of Latinxs in Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia,

Texas, and Washington by leading an integrated voter engagement program

where all aspects of voter engagement, issue-based campaigns, leadership development,

voting reform and protection, and narrative change form a continuous cycle of political

consciousness. Through our work, we empower and equip the Latinx community to

become agents of change now.

About LatinoJustice
LatinoJustice PRLDEF works to create a more just society by using and challenging the rule of law to secure transformative, equitable and accessible justice, by empowering our community and by fostering leadership through advocacy and education. For 50 years, LatinoJustice PRLDEF has acted as an advocate against injustices throughout the country. To learn more about LatinoJustice, visit www.LatinoJustice.org.

About ACLU’s Voting Rights Project
Established in 1965, VRP has worked to protect the gains in political participation won by voters of color since passage of the 1965 Voting Rights Act (VRA). Since its inception, the Voting Rights Project has litigated hundreds of voting rights cases, and has aggressively and successfully challenged efforts to suppress voting or to dilute minority voting strength.

About Dēmos
Dēmos is a non-profit public policy organization working to build a just, inclusive, multiracial democracy and economy. We work hand in hand to build power with and for Black and brown communities, forging strategic alliances with grassroots and state-based organizations.

About Arnold & Porter
Arnold & Porter combines sophisticated regulatory, litigation, and transactional capabilities to resolve clients’ most complex issues. With over 1,000 lawyers practicing in 15 offices worldwide, we offer deep industry experience and an integrated approach that spans more than 40 practice areas. Through multidisciplinary collaboration and focused industry experience, we provide innovative and effective solutions to mitigate risks, address challenges, and achieve successful outcomes.